Martin Hayden Boone, Jr. MD, 93, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2017 in Springfield, Missouri. Martin was the second child born to Martin Hayden Boone, Sr. and Lula Faye Petree Boone on August 19, 1924 in Crane, Texas. Martin grew up in Crane; he was an honor student, band member and earned his Eagle Scout badge. Martín served in the Navy and then the Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas in Austin, where he met the love of his life and future bride, Rose Marie (Posey) Pelphrey. Shortly after marrying, Martin and Posey moved to Philadelphia where Martin attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Martin and Posey moved to Midland, Texas so he could establish a medical practice and started their family. In 1967, Martin and Posey moved to Springfield, Missouri after Martin changed his medical specialty to anesthesia. Martin joined Professional Anesthesiologist Services, working at St. John’s Hospital and Cox Hospital. He also taught future nurse anesthetists at St John’s Hospital. He was a member of the Greene County Medical Society.
Martin’s life outside of medicine was diverse. He played tennis and was known to be a fierce competitor. He and Posey were quite the doubles players. Martin also loved music and played the piano. He and Posey were excellent dancers belonging to several dance clubs. Education was paramount to Martin and Posey, and together they established a scholarship fund for students at SMSU. Martin and Posey traveled the world together. Martin was an avid reader of American and world history. Martin was driven to become the best at whatever he attempted, whether school, medicine, fatherhood, tennis, music, or investments. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was known for his story telling.
Martin and Posey were quite the pair and were together for 73 years until Posey’s passing on January 15, 2017. Martin had five children, whom he loved very much. Martin was also a loving grandfather and uncle. Family was important to Martin; there were lots of family reunions and “cousin camps” through the years.
Martin will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Martin is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose Marie Pelphrey Boone, his parents, Martin, Sr. and Lula Faye Boone, his sisters, Dorothy Lee Mason, Mary Lou Springstun, and his grandchildren, Grant Hayden Boone and Meghan Rose Wilson.
Martin is survived by his children, Bill Boone, Ash Grove, MO, Jane Boone Arradaza, San Antonio, TX, Ann Boone Neu, Springfield, Ben Boone and wife Nicole, Columbia, MO, and Julie Boone Wilson and husband Wayne, Prosper, TX; grandchildren, Daphnie Boone, Michaela Boone Arradaza, Chris Neu and wife Laura, Michelle Neu, Brian Neu, Tyler Boone and wife Danielle, Julia Totten, Sarah Totten, Maxwell Boone, Mitchell Wilson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut St. Springfield Missouri 65806 with a visitation following the service in the fellowship hall at the church.
The Boone family would like to extend a special thank you to all the loving care givers at the Manor, who have been such a wonderful part of his life for the past 4 years.
Memorials may be sent to: The Salvation Army 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 65807, or Christ Episcopal Church 601 E. Walnut St. Springfield, MO 65806, or Alzheimer’s Association 3645 South Ave. Springfield 65807.