Edward Lee Boatman

Edward Lee Boatman, 90, of Garland, Texas, passed away Saturday, April 15th, 2023. He was born on August 13th, 1932 in Sherman, Texas to Ernest and Myrtle Boatman.

 

He graduated from Sherman High School, class of 1950 and attended East Texas State College. At the age of 22, he joined the United States Army in 1954 and served until 1956.

 

While stationed outside of Boston, Massachusetts, he met his wife, Bette MacDonald of Revere, Massachusetts. They married on August 31st, 1956 in Sherman, Texas where they lived and raised their family.

 

As the family patriarch, Edward was devoted to and loved by every member in his large, extended family. He was affectionately called “Papa” & “Uncle Ed” by his loved ones, and as “Boaty” by his close friends.

 

He retired as a letter carrier from the United States Postal Service. Early in his career, he was the sportswriter for the Sherman Democrat and officiated Texas high school football games for 17 years. In 2004, he and his wife moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas and lived there until he returned to Texas in 2020.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bette Boatman, brother Ralph Boatman, and sister Barbara Burge.

 

He is survived by one son, Terry Boatman and wife, Leta of Garland, Texas; two daughters, Robin Stilwell of Irving, Texas; Stacy McDaniel and husband, Tom of Rio, Wisconsin; one brother, James Boatman and two sisters, Rachel Gregory and LaJuan Durham; six grandchildren, Danielle and Benjamin May, Anthony and Antonio Santoyo-Gallion, Drew and Jennifer Boatman, Michael and Caitlin McDaniel, Emily and Jacob Samuelson, Jessica McDaniel and Bill Feathers; and great-grandchildren Phoenix and Hunter May, Olivia and Charlotte Boatman, Carter White, and soon to be born, Stella Fern Feathers.

 

No local services have been planned. A celebration of life is to be scheduled at a future date in the Fall. Arrangements are by the Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2925 5th Street, Sachse, Texas.