Robert Gregory “Greg” Boulware, took the hand of Jesus and peacefully passed into Heaven on May 15, 2020.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Boulware (Hollister, Missouri), and his oldest son, Ryan Gregory Boulware (Santee, California). He joins his son, Russell Gregory Boulware, in Heaven.
Greg was born on March 29, 1947, and raised in San Diego, California. When he was 15, his father, Robert George Boulware, passed away and Greg moved to Rolla, Missouri. Greg’s paternal grandmother, Mae Prewett, provided pure, welcoming love that nurtured him in his grief. Mae and her husband, Lee, his maternal grandparents Guy-Guy and Bess Spurling, his aunt and uncle Helen and Wayne Spurling, his aunt and uncle Annie and Bill Spurling, all shaped how he would beautifully love his own family in the years to come.
While in Rolla, Greg met Gabe Wilson, who, along with his wife June, became part of his forever family. Gabe preceded Greg in death. After high school graduation, the surf took Greg back to San Diego where he resided until 1993 when he moved back to Missouri. There he found the love of his life, Debbie, and they married on October 23, 1999.
Greg was always a dedicated, hard worker, first as a young boy in his grandfather’s filling station, in the construction industry after high school, and eventually settling into a management career in the lumber industry, mostly for Western Lumber Company in San Diego.
Greg was always a dedicated, hard worker, first as a young boy in his grandfather’s filling station, in the construction industry after high school, and eventually settling into a management career in the lumber industry, mostly for Western Lumber Company in San Diego.
In Missouri, he joined the Silver Dollar City team and found his calling making toys with the children at the furniture factory, the toy shop, and in Santa’s Workshop at Christmas. His SDC family named him “Whodoo” and many still call him that today. Semi-retirement led him to join the Hollister School family as a school bus driver, where he cherished each child that stepped onto his bus.
His love for woodworking developed into a hobby that he and Debbie enjoyed together, creating toys for children and gifts for loved ones.
Greg battled cancer, starting in 2001 and reappearing in 2011. In the face of these health challenges, he chose to bring smiles to those treating him. One of his favorite nurses, Nikki Markes, affectionately named him “Captain Morgan.” The wonderful Branson Cancer Center team, and many of their patients, called him “Captain” for the many years of care and treatment that followed.
In the midst of his health challenges, Greg focused on serving his community. He was a member of First Baptist Church-Branson and served in their Awana program. He and Debbie facilitated NAMI’s Family-to-Family classes both in Branson and in Harrison, Arkansas.
His love for woodworking developed into a hobby that he and Debbie enjoyed together, creating toys for children and gifts for loved ones.
Greg battled cancer, starting in 2001 and reappearing in 2011. In the face of these health challenges, he chose to bring smiles to those treating him. One of his favorite nurses, Nikki Markes, affectionately named him “Captain Morgan.” The wonderful Branson Cancer Center team, and many of their patients, called him “Captain” for the many years of care and treatment that followed.
In the midst of his health challenges, Greg focused on serving his community. He was a member of First Baptist Church-Branson and served in their Awana program. He and Debbie facilitated NAMI’s Family-to-Family classes both in Branson and in Harrison, Arkansas.
Greg leaves behind a large circle of loved ones, including his mother-in-law, Sandy Higgins, and her husband, Gary (Carthage, Missouri); aunt Helen Spurling (Chula Vista, California); sister-in-law, Jeanie Hardman, and her husband, Gary (Bellingham, Washington); sister-in-law, Janet Jones (Alameda, California); brother-in-law, Terry Aronson (Carthage, Missouri), cousins Linda and John Spurling (Tyndall, South Dakota), Bob Spurling (Escondido, California), Mike Spurling and his wife, Emma (San Ysidro, California); and a number of nieces and nephews, family and friends who he dearly loved. He joins his sister-in-law, Donna Aronson, and his father-in-law, Larry Higgins in eternity.
Ryan and Debbie are especially grateful for Jeanie and Gary Hardman, who provided such love and support for the three of them during the last two months.
As a devoted husband, dad, and beloved family member and friend, Greg loved deeply; he was strong and protective, yet tender and compassionate. He gave selflessly, surprising loved ones with many gestures of kindness that will never be forgotten. He found joy in the midst of pain (James 1:2-4), and, though weary from chronic illness, chose daily to sweetly love those that the Lord placed before him. And oh, how he made us laugh! Greg’s sense of humor was a gift that brought countless smiles and soothed hurting hearts. Most importantly, he settled his faith and accepted the priceless gift of Jesus, and, thus, we have the blessed assurance that enables us to rejoice (Philippians 4:4-7) knowing we will be together again.
A celebration of Greg’s life was held at FBC-Branson, 400 S. Sunshine, Branson, Missouri at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Greg’s memory to FBC Branson Kid’s Ministry or your favorite charity. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
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