William Boitnott

William A. "Bill" Boitnott, 72, of Jackson died Friday, March 4, 2005, at his home.

He was born May 2, 1932, in Scott County, son of Elmer and Rose Schaeffer Boitnott.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. Following an honorable discharge from the Navy, he married Agnes Stricker on July 2, 1955.

Bill spent most of his career in finance, including 16 years as finance manager for Ford Groves in Cape Girardeau. He also worked as business manager for the Knights of Columbus hall in Jackson.

Bill was an active member of both local and church communities throughout his life. While living in Charleston he served as president of the Jaycees. He remained active in the Jaycees while living in Cape Girardeau and was also a member of the chamber of commerce, serving on the agriculture committee. In 1972, Bill and his family moved to the Jackson area, where he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church serving as lector and usher. He was especially involved in the Knights of Columbus at both local and state levels. He served as grand knight of the Bishop Timon Council of Jackson. He also served as district deputy, state family life director and program director. In 1986, he was elected state deputy for the Missouri Knights of Columbus. After his term as state deputy he continued to be active in the KC until his death, serving as state bookkeeper and captain of the fourth-degree team.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Richard Boitnott and wife Roberta of Atlanta, Texas, Gregory Boitnott and wife Laura of St. Charles, Mo.; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild; two sisters, Carolyn Pazdera of Charleston; Shirley Gay of Mountain Home, Ark.; a brother, Robert Eugene Boitnott of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Sonny, and sister, Virginia Love.

Friends may call from 3 to 8:30 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. A rosary performed by the Knights of Columbus will be at 7:30 p.m. and parish prayers at 8 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson, officiated by Monsignor Edward Eftink. Graveside committal service and military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Charleston, with Monsignor Richard Rolwing officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made to the American Cancer Society, K of C Catholic Education Fund or the Immaculate Conception building fund.