Edward Lee Boles

Edward Lee Boles, age 87 of Rosedale, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Ed was born on July 25, 1937 to William and Cleo (McBride) Boles. Ed was the youngest of 18 children and was born and raised in Rosedale. He graduated from Rosedale High School in 1955. In 1961, he began courting Jeanetta (Willingham) Boles. Later that year he was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country for 2 years. On September 8th, 1962 while on leave from the Army, Ed married Jeanetta Willingham, who was the absolute love of his life. The couple celebrated 62 years of an incredible love. Over the years Ed had many jobs that he enjoyed such as hauling hay, working in the oil field, as well as laying brick with his brother Alvie, who together established Boles Bros Masonry. In 1973, Ed and Jeanetta opened Boles Grocery and Feed in Rosedale where they were able to serve their community until they closed it in 1979. Later, he joined the family business and worked many years for W&W Tire Co. Over the years Ed mentored many young men how to be a hard worker and an honorable man. Ed was the type of man that was someone to everyone. He truly had a knack for connecting with people and making those around him feel special and loved. Ed was the backbone of his family, his community, and a hero to many. He was born and raised in the Rosedale 1st Baptist Church, where he served throughout his life. Ed truly had a servant’s heart and found joy in serving others through church. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his vegetables with all his friends and neighbors. He would load buckets of veggies into his pickup, to share with those at church and in his community. He would even provide bags for them to take the veggies home. Ed loved spending time with his grandkids, sharing his hobbies with them and getting involved in their hobbies, all while teaching them valuable lessons along the way. He loved to cut wood, sit and whittle, hunt, fish and watching his kiddos play sports. Papaw loved watching the kids play ball in his patch beside the house. Ed always carried chewing gum to share with the kids at church, that wanted some of “Papaw’s Chewing Gum”. He was a father and grandfather figure to so many and he invested so much of his life into others. Ed lived his life trying to be a good example to everyone he met. Ed’s motto was to always help others, because growing up others had helped him. Together, Ed and Jeanetta lived their life being available to anyone who might need a little help. Everyone was always welcome in the Boles home. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, William and Cleo Boles; his brothers, Walter, Alvie and Paul; his sisters, Pearl, Lula, Alma, Lorene, Orpha Lee, Wilma Lois, Edna, Ophelia, Peggy and Jane; 3 infant siblings; and great-grand daughter, Shiloh River Boles. He is survived by his wife, Jeanetta Boles; his daughter, Donna McCrary and husband Terry of Wewoka; his sons, Tracy Boles and wife LeaAnn of Rosedale, Brent Boles and wife Beth of Rosedale and Teddy Boles and wife Marlena of Rosedale; his sister, Odell Qualls of Byars; his 7 grandchildren, Allen McCrary and wife Lacey, Justin Boles and wife Krista, Ryan Boles and wife Sydney, Blaike Herrin and husband Grant, Bailey Winton and husband Cale, Ashley Boles, and T.J. Boles and wife Kim; and his 11 great-grandchildren, Brinlee, Rhett, Townes, Raylynn, Quinn, Pecas, Trip, Deliah, Cooper, Ruger and Lynnie; and numerous extended family, friends and loved ones. He was an amazing husband, father, uncle, Papaw, friend, and neighbor and will be missed immensely. Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday February 3, 2025 at Rosedale 1st Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in his memory to Rosedale 1st Baptist Church.

Edward Lee Boles

July 25, 1937 - January 29, 2025