Harold Boardman

SIKESTON, Mo, -- Thomas Harold Boardman, 79, of Sikeston died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, at his home.

He was born Feb. 26, 1924, in Sikeston, son of Raymond L. and Anna Lee Daugherty Boardman. He and Carletta Jones were married Dec. 24, 1942.

Boardman was a member of VFW Post 3174, serving as commander in 1991 and 1992. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Auxiliary Police and Sikeston Jaycees. He was instrumental in bringing the rodeo to Sikeston.

He served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theater during World War II, and was a prisoner of war seven months. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Air Medal with two Bronze Clusters, EAME with three Bronze Stars, and Good Conduct Medal.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Marc and Kevin Boardman of Sikeston; a daughter, Brenda Winters of Sikeston; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son and a sister.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tom Geers officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, with full military honors.