John Thomas Boatman, age 94 of Joplin, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 30, 2016. John was born on October 18, 1921, in Filer, Idaho. He was the son of Richard Andrew Boatman and Verba Shaddy Boatman. When John was two the family moved to Rialto, Calif. After graduating from Rialto High School John went into the building trade and then married his long-time sweetheart, Margaret Paine, on June 15, 1940. During World War II he worked for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, Calif. After the war he developed his name in San Bernardino as a quality craftsman, building custom homes and remodeling homes for wealthy clients. John and Margaret moved to Joplin in 2008.
John was a life-long member of the Christian Church, serving many years as elder, teacher, and youth sponsor. He was a founding board member of the American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, Ariz.
John is survived by his son Phillip Boatman (Karen) of Escondido, Calif. and his daughter Linda Boles (Kenny) of Joplin. Grandchildren include Kim Boatman of Escondido, Calif; April McBride (Patrick) of Carlsbad, Calif; Leigh Anne Johnson (Jeff) of Franklin, Ind., and Eric Boles (Alison) of Shawnee, Kan. There are four great-grandchildren: Sydney Johnson, Simon Boles, Sarah Boles, and Hope McBride, as well as many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by three sisters: Nadine Rotolo of Fontana, Calif., Mary Miller of Malibu, Calif., and Janet VanMeetren of Las Vegas, Nev.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two older brothers: Don Earl Boatman of Joplin and Russell Boatman of Lincoln, Ill.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Villa Heights Christian Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to American Indian Christian Mission, Show Low, Ariz. The mission website is www.aicm.org. Cremation has been arranged by Parker Mortuary.
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