Earl Franklin Boyer, 77, of Rural Valley, completed his journey on earth to be in the arms of Jesus for eternity.

Earl passed away Sunday July 23, 2017, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh surrounded by his loving family.

Earl was born January 18, 1940, in Cowanshannock Township, Pa. to Ralph Earl and Wilda Gertrude (Hawkins) Boyer.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife, soul mate and best friend Judy Kay (Shaw) Boyer, four daughters and one son: Gretchen Johns and friend Mike Miller; Heidi Cross and husband Robert; Rachel Boyer; Holly Cessna and husband Mike; and Gregory Boyer. Earl had 10 grandchildren who were the joy of his life: Franklin Johns, Jacob Cross, Noah Cross, Chelsea Erskine, Paige Erskine, Kyley Houllion, Emma Cessna, Adam Cessna, Abby Cessna and Trevor Boyer. Earl is also survived by two brothers, David Neal and wife Judy and Blaine Lloyd and wife Linda. Earl also had many nieces, nephews and cousins who held a very special place in his heart.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Earl (1962) and Wilda Gertrude (2005), and two sisters, Grace Maria Crossman (1983) and Evelyn Jean George (2008).

Earl graduated from Elderton High School in 1958. He maintained a close friendship with his classmates that he enjoyed and cherished. He loved playing basketball and volleyball. His passion for sports continued as he loved watching his children play sports in high school and college. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins.

Earl enjoyed anything that had to do with farming, whether it was tractor auctions, talking to his farming buddies or watching RFDTV. But most of all his greatest joy was getting on his tractor every day he could as he loved to be out farming with his son. Earl farmed his entire life in Armstrong County. At one time he farmed 14 farms. What a wonderful joy it is to know he is now driving his tractor on God’s streets of gold.

Earl was married on September 16, 1967. This September would have been Earl and Judy’s 50th wedding anniversary where they were both so looking forward to renewing their vows together.

He was a member of St

Paul’s Congregational Church all of his life. He was a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, church treasurer and deacon. But more importantly he was a man of God who left an amazing legacy for all.

His most beloved treasures in life were first and foremost his relationship with God, his family, friends and of course his tractors.

Earl will be sadly missed by his wife and family and all those who knew him and dearly loved him and were better people because he was a part of their lives.

His loving family would like to extend a special thank to the LVAD/Heart Failure Team at Allegheny General Hospital. Your unwavering support for our father was indescribable. You treated him like family and he loved you all as much as you loved him. Your genuine care for him until the very end is something we as a family will never forget.

Friends will be received from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 251 St. Paul Road, Rural Valley, Pa with Rev. Tim Lewis officiating. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Congregational Church Cemetery.

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