Willie Benson Boswell

Willie Benson "Bill" Boswell, a resident of Talihina and former longtime Henryetta resident, passed away January 17, 2014 in Talihina, OK at the age of 82. He was born Tuesday, January 27, 1931 in Ragland, AL to Duke Boswell & Velma Reeves. Willie grew up in Alabama and attended school there. During his high school years, Willie joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years in Alaska, Langley AFB in Texas, and in California before his honorable discharge. After his military service, Willie went into the floor covering business in California in order to learn the craft. After several years, Willie and his family moved to Oklahoma to join family here. Willie married the love of his life, Virginia Pearl Deleplank on December 8, 1951 in Courtside, Arizona. They remained happily married for 52 years until Virginia's death in 2003. Willie later worked in several capacities in the floor covering business. He worked faithfully from 1964 until his retirement in 2005. Willie was a member of the VFW Post 539 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Henryetta. He was a well-known little league baseball coach who served as a positive role model for many young baseball players. He was a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and he will be deeply missed by his family and the many people who called him friend. Willie is preceded in death by both his mother and father; his wife, Virginia; a granddaughter, Heather Patsy Boswell; a daughter-in-law, Gaylene Boswell; and a brother, Clovis Boswell. He is survived by his five sons, Jerry Benson Boswell and wife Anne of Okmulgee, Larry Boswell and wife Peggy Sue of Henryetta, Doug Boswell and wife Carolyn of Henryetta, Chris Boswell and wife Peggy D. of Henryetta, and Tony Boswell of Henryetta; a daughter, Rhonda Boswell of Tulsa; by 20 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; three brothers, Otis Boswell, Frank Boswell, and Eugene Boswell all of Alabama; by numerous extended family members and many good friends. Viewing for Willie will be held on Monday, January 20 from 3-8pm and on Tuesday, January 21 from 8am to 8pm at Integrity Funeral Service. Graveside Services for Willie will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 2:00pm at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta with Rev. Steve Treagesser officiating. Interment will follow immediately under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Benson Boswell II, Michael Crawford, Derek Boswell, Jeremiah Short, Jordan Pearson, Trenton Slade, Steven Slade, C.D. Boswell, and Brenton Boswell.