James Edward Boozer, 92, of Kell, passed away at 8:25 a.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon.
He was born January 16, 1934, in Marion County, Illinois, the son of John and Myrtle (Creel) Boozer. On April 29, 1956, at Donoho Prairie Christian Church, he married Lavin Ayers, and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2023.
Mr. Boozer ran a limestone business in Kell for twenty years, from 1966 to 1986, and later worked at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, in the Boiler House, until his retirement in 1999. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was also a longtime member of Donoho Prairie Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder.
He is survived by his children, Mark Boozer and wife Denise of Kell, Bonnie Maurer and husband Martin of Kell, and Roger Boozer and wife Elaine of Hoyleton; five grandchildren, Cole, Kyle, and Chase Boozer, Jamie Smith, and Jessica Stendback; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by special friend, Beverly Cox.
In addition to his wife, Lavin Boozer, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan Boozer.
Funeral services for Mr. Boozer will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Donoho Prairie Christian Church in Texico, with Matt Renaud officiating. Burial will follow at Donoho Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Kell Fire Department or the Donoho Prairie Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the service or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.
