W.C. Boyd

A celebration of life gathering for W.C. Boyd, 72, of rural Milo, will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of W.C.’s family and will be designated at a later date.

W.C. to all who knew him was a “renaissance man”, a man of great intelligence who knew everything, and could be a bit of a smart ass. He was a master of all and enjoyed remodeling his home and working on projects in his yard and gardens. He could be found cutting wood, in the garden or the yard.  He was an incredible gardener who was known for his amazing tomatoes, cantaloupes, and raising beautiful roses.  He always shared his bounty with everyone.  W.C. would research and study if he was unsure about anything until he grasped the concept and became an expert. He loved all types of brain games and puzzles and would spend countless hours reading anything he could get his hands on. Some of his favorite topics of history and politics often led to intense conversations. He loved to debate.  He was always willing to share his knowledge.  He gave great snake bites and was a dangerous dish towel snapper.  He was always a favorite with the kids, nieces, nephews and grandkids.  Many family holidays were spent with him being a jungle gym.

W.C. was close to his family. He was born in Des Moines on February 22, 1950, to Jr. and Eileen Boyd. W.C. was one of five children born to the couple. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School in 1968. He was married to Laura Milne and blessed with two girls: Jennifer and Deanna. W.C. married Lynda Tannatt in 1977, and they were blessed with daughter, Jessica.

W.C. worked for Chicago Northwestern and the Union Pacific Railroad in Des Moines as a “Yard Master”. He retired in 2010 after 40 years with the company.

Lynda and W.C. loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together, searching out unique venues with great music and people. Staying at B&B’s and visiting new wineries was some of their favorite things to do together. They loved antiquing, especially in What Cheer and finding many treasures during their road trips.  One favorite trip was to the Tennessee Kentucky area experiencing the “Bourbon Trail” seeing the distilleries and unique bits of history connected with the area. Life changed for W.C. in 2017 when Lynda, his companion of 40 years passed away.

W.C. passed away suddenly at his home on February 11, 2023. Preceding him in death were his parents: Jr. and Eileen Boyd; his wife of 40 years, Lynda Boyd; and a sister, Kathy Stockham.

He will be greatly missed by his children: Jenny (Mike) Shannon, Deanna (David) Block, and Jessica (Shawn) Tison; 5 grandchildren: Collin, Macy, Vincent, Ever and Skylor; siblings: L.J. (Tammy) Boyd, Mari Beal, Chris (Tracey) Boyd, and brother-in-law, Mike Stockham; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.