Thomas Jack Bouldin died July 3, 2013 in Maple Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. He was born in Lancaster, TX on May 30, 1922 to E. Lee and Myrtle Bouldin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Valora, his parents, and his sister Dorothy Wimmer.
Jack’s family returned to the Ozarks and Springfield, MO where he lived until 1937 when he moved to Norwood, MO to assist his Grandparents in their funeral home. He met Valora, the love of his life, in the drugstore next to his Grandparent’s establishment. Their love developed over the soda fountain and in the halls of the Norwood High School where they both graduated in 1940. After they became engaged, he followed his Grandmother’s example and attended the St. Louis School of Mortuary Science, graduating with honors as an embalmer.
In 1942, Jack joined the 329th Medical Battalion of the 104th Infantry Division of the US Army (Timberwolves). He married Valora on April 3, 1944. The Timberwolves (trained and known as Nightfighters) landed in France in 1944, just after D-Day; they liberated the Nordhausen concentration camp, on the way to Belgium and Germany. He became a Sergeant before he was injured in combat in Germany. He was awarded a purple heart, recovered, and served as a combat medic until V-E Day. After Europe, the Timberwolves were sent to California, poised to be a part of the first wave to attack the main island of Japan. After Japan surrendered in 1945, he was honorably discharged.
Jack and Valora then established residence in Norwood where he succeeded his grandmother as the Wright County Coroner while operating the Bouldin-Ryan Funeral Home. He moved to Springfield in 1950, where he worked as a correctional officer and counselor at the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners until he retired.
Jack was happy man, a story-teller and raconteur, delighting in funny tales from the past. He had a pleasant voice, and liked to sing, whether in church or on car trips. He was also a craftsman and natural engineer; he built two houses as well as barns, campers, cabinets, and many other things. He practiced the crafts of the Ozarks, making “cracklins” from the hog he had raised and wine from the grapes he grew and harvested. He loved peaches and homemade ice cream, insisting that someone sit on the freezer to hold it still while he turned the handle.
He taught his children and grandchildren to love the outdoors: to swim and frolic in the streams, rivers, and lakes; to hunt, fish, and hike in the wonderful natural world. He introduced them to camping, boating and just playing outdoors while treating nature with respect. In his late seventies he was still very accurate with a water balloon sling shot at 50 paces while treading water in the lake. During their 69 years of marriage, he and Valora traveled throughout North America to many National Parks and outdoor sites. Although they were first accompanied with their sons, they later continued their camping and celebration of the beauty of America as a couple, reveling in the joy of the wonderful outdoors and its inhabitants.
Jack also loved sports, especially football; but he was never so delighted as when his sons or grandsons were competing. He was always supportive of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending all of their diverse activities if there was any way possible. In his late 80’s he was still watching his heirs participate. He was a member of South Street Christian Church for 88 years. Jack helped maintain the building, riding his bicycle to the church, spending his days fixing whatever needed his touch. He sliced and cored apples for the annual Apple Pie Making Days and was a support for many other activities. He was a loving and loyal man, serving his family, his church and his country.
He is survived by his children & their spouses Rita & Walter Hawkins of Springfield, Tom & Cheri Bouldin of TX; Jim & Mollie Bouldin of CT; Grandchildren & their spouses Shane & Connie Hawkins, Kristina & James Gardner, Justin & Rebecca Bouldin, Brandon Bouldin, Eileen & Matt Brankatelli, Lee Bouldin; Great grandchildren Ryan, Chase & Blake Hawkins, Samantha Gardner, Alexander & Xavier Bouldin, & Phineas Brankatelli. Visitation will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home East from 6 until 8 Thursday evening, July 11th. Funeral will be at South Street Christian Church at 10:00 Friday July 12th with interment immediately following. Donations may be made to South Street Christian Church, 500 South Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806 or The National Timberwolf Pups Association, c/o JeNeal Granieri, 1749 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.