John Boyd,

April 11, 1939 - December 12, 2021
John Boyd,

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Navy, Retired

April 11, 1939 – December 12, 2021

John (Popeye) Boyd, Jr., 82, was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Adopted Son of John Wilson Boyd and Dorothy Helen Baur.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant son, John Douglas Boyd.

John was a proud graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1957.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1957 where he met his wife, Donna, and they were married in September 1959 prior to being transferred to Japan.

During his service in the military, he continued his love of sports while coaching and playing for many teams for his Commands and local youth programs.

During his years as a Cryptologic Technician Technical (CTT), he was stationed at several duty stations around the world.  In 1982, he was commissioned from Master Chief to Chief Warrant Officer 2.

After a long and distinguished career, he retired in September 1987, as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.  During his career he received numerous awards including, Air Medal Strike Flight (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation (5), Meritorious Unit Commendation (4), Good Conduct Medal (6) and others too numerous to mention.  He was presented The Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Governor Robert Orr of Indiana.

After retiring, he moved to Fishers, Indiana, where he worked as a government contractor, providing logistic support for the military until he retired in 2005.

He was a long-time cancer survivor living many years past doctors’ expectations.

John received his Bachelor of Arts in Logistics from Indiana University in 1989.

In his later years after learning of his Native American ancestry and being a direct descendent of Wea chief Jacco Godfroi, he participated in and supported many Native American events and activities.  He was also a sitting member on the Indiana Native American Indian Commission.

John loved to share his wisdom and experiences with others. He had a great sense of humor, telling his sea stories, and loved to make people laugh. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.  He was very interested in history and the importance of preserving it. One of his favorite quotes was that he would rather be lucky than smart, and he was very lucky in life and very smart.

John was very proud of his family and cherished the time spent together. John and Donna, together, created and shared many fond memories along their path.

John is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna Jean Guest; children Debra L. Brown of Frankton, IN; Denise E. Destiche (Dean Destiche) of Waddell, AZ; Diane E. Taylor (Gary Taylor) of Wilmington, NC; and David E. Boyd of Tipton, IN; grandchildren Jennifer Hutchison, Christopher Brown, Melissa Lane, Laura Hull, Ashley Storr, Jason Taylor, Chelsea Taylor, Jeffrey Taylor and Madison Boyd; great-grandchildren Cabriegh and Rylen Lane, MacKenzie Little, Paiton and Damien Brown, Erin and Aubrey Russell, Amelia and Jackson Storr.

Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery  at a later date.

Donations in his memory may be directed to ASPCA in lieu of flowers.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403

910.791.9099


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  • December 13, 2021
    Patti Eliserio says:
    To one of my favorite sailors. John will certainly be missed by me. He was a big influence on me in my High School years. He was always kind to me while being strict as well! He was like a father to me during and outside of school. You will forever be in my heart John.

  • December 14, 2021
    Tom and Tila Getchel says:
    My husband and I would like to send our deepest condolences to family and friends. We had the pleasure of meeting at the Feast of The Hunters moon.

  • December 15, 2021
    Nila Wilburn Overdorf says:
    Praying for his family. John was in my class of 57 at Tipton Indiana. Such a wonder person.

  • December 16, 2021
    CATHY L THURMAN says:
    Donna, Debbie, Denise, Diane and David; I am so very sorry for your loss. Such fond memories of our childhood. Last time I saw John and Donna was when my own dad passed - I know this is awful for you. Prayers for comfort for you. Cathy (Garmon) Thurman