Donald Mack Boylan

 We are saddened to announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Donald Mack Boylan, on June 13, 2024. Though his spirit was strong until the end, his heart was too weakened to continue the fight for more time with his family.

 Don was born September 27, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles Mack and Mildred Ruth Boylan. The family eventually moved to Wyoming and settled near Medicine Bow. If we had to summarize Dad’s childhood, it would best be described as scenes from the Wild West. He worked as a young boy, running errands for his dad and other town folk. He had many stories about the “old timers” of Albany County, along with outlaws and bandits, bar fights and wild stallions. He spent a lot of time exploring and observing the people and world around him, taking in many lessons along the way. The family, which included his sisters Ruth and Linda, later moved to Laramie. He played football for the legendary Coach John Deti Sr. and wrestled at Laramie High School. After graduation in 1959, Dad enlisted in the US Army and served from 1959-1962 in the 187th Airborne Infantry Combat Group. He was stationed in Germany when construction of the Berlin Wall began. Dad would only describe this time as “tense” which is probably how he managed to find an appreciation (and disdain) for German beer. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to Wyoming and worked in the oil patch throughout the western states for several years.

 Don married Sandra Ellen Drake in 1969, adopting her children, Ed and Debbie, as his own and they moved to Casper. With the utilization of the GI Bill, Don enrolled at Casper College and graduated with an Associates of Technical Education. He then found a career with Dave Johnston Power Plant as a maintenance supervisor. Daughters Melissa and April soon joined the family. While their marriage ended in divorce, Don and Sandy worked together to do right by their children over the years. Don was ever present in their lives. He attended volleyball and basketball games and choir concerts and helped with school projects. Weekends with Dad were spent “pigging out”, watching movies and going on endless drives listening to music and his stories. He was also known to spend obscene hours (not to mention large portions of his paychecks) shopping with his daughters. Many vacations were spent with Linda and her family in Phoenix or Jackson, as well as touring most of the western United States. While Ed and Debbie were older than Melissa and April, he tried to be in their lives as well. Steak dinners with Ed were special to Dad. Debbie and her girls were loved and cherished. Updates of Debbie’s girls, now women, and their families always tickled Dad and he was so proud of all of them.

 After an almost 30-year career with PacifiCorp, Dad retired but quickly had a list of things to pass the time like home renovations, classic car shows and taking care of his parents. He also answered his daughters’ calls for advice. He enjoyed talking shop with his friend’s Ken and Kevin Kleinhesselink and trading stories with his myriad of friends. Breakfast at Perkins was a regular thing with other retirees.

 What was likely not on that retirement list soon became his most important role in life as Grandpa. We agreed recently that the Boylan blood became gentler with age which is why being Grandpa came naturally to him. He shared many stories, a lot of laughter and big hugs. Grandpa’s place was a playhouse for his grandchildren. He let them use their imagination and taught them how to tinker. He planned adventures in the mountains and spent time at parks, museums and baseball games. Grandpa introduced the kids to his recipe for gorp…or what the rest of us call trail mix…and shared his love of classic cars. He was recruited for Grandpa Taxi duty, picking his grandkids up – just about every day – from school and practices. Grandpa was known for his choice of goofy greeting cards, which was usually paired with a crisp fifty. He rarely missed a family BBQ, birthday or holiday celebration. Road trips with Grandpa included the Black Hills and countless high school football games. Time with Grandpa was cherished, and he created the best memories to last a blessed lifetime.

 While Dad was always a Believer, he was inspired to make the ultimate statement and was baptized on May 26th with his daughter Melissa and grandchildren Chase, Caleb and Kenzie present as witnesses. His message to his loved ones was to “waste no time” in coming to Jesus Christ.

 Preceding Don in death were his parents, Charles and Mildred Boylan and sister Ruth Boylan.

 Left behind to revel in their memories made with him…daughter Melissa and her children Chase, Caleb and Kenzie; daughter April (Aaron) and their children Cooper and Colin; son Ed; daughter Debbie (Jordan) and her daughters Amanda, Kelsey and Krista; sister Linda (Roy) Bonner and their children Joey, Ben and Reno; brother in spirit Wes (Becca) Leach; nephew Bill (Lori) Tunks. He is also survived by six great grandchildren.

 Please join us on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 1pm at Bustard’s & Jacoby Funeral Home, as we say our final goodbye with military honors. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Reception Hall at Bustard’s.

 While his passion was his family, he also supported countless patriotic and veteran causes. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Don’s name to Hunting with Heroes Wyoming at PO Box 51736, Casper WY 82605.