John Boles

A Memorial service for John Boles, age 74, of Sulphur Springs will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel with Ed Lantz officiating. Visitation will be held at 1:00PM at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home prior to the service. Mr. Boles passed away at his home on January 18, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

John Michael Boles was born on July 26, 1948 in Tulare, California to Fontaine and Floyce Gilbreath Boles. He married Gail Ellen Trieb in Quitman, TX on August 19, 1971. John graduated from Quitman High School in 1967. He attended East Texas State University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1971, and later graduated in 1976 with his Master of Science degree. His first teaching job was in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He taught there for 8 years until he had the opportunity to return closer to home. In 1979, he began teaching at Sulphur Springs High School until he retired in 2009. While at SSHS he taught many different classes within the agricultural department and was also involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), Meat Judging, and Land Judging. John had many fond memories of students, including his own children, going to project shows, stock shows and FFA conventions. He started both the floral design class as well as the horticulture program and built the greenhouse at the high school. He was known throughout Hopkins County for his ferns and the annual plant sale. John was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Scottish Rite, and served as the Parliamentarian for the Retired Ag Teacher’s Association. John spent his days enjoying cooking BBQ with his buddy of many years, Tony Bible. They shared their amazing cooking with others. He enjoyed traveling with Gail and his family. They went on many cruises, beach trips with the granddaughters, Arlington, Lubbock and any other adventure with the granddaughters. His best days were spent picking Amerson up from school, taking Avalyn for ice cream, talking on FaceTime with Lena, winning at Spinners and cooking biscuits for his family. On Wednesday before he passed, John learned he would be inducted into the Ag Teacher’s Hall of Honor in June.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail Boles; son, Michael Boles and wife, Brandi of Sulphur Springs; daughter, Kristin Wood and husband, Nick of Arlington; and son Aaron Boles and wife, Kristin of Lubbock. John had three granddaughters that were the light of his life, Amerson Blair Boles, Avalyn Jade Boles and Lena Grace Boles. John is also survived by his sister, Karen Sawyer, Brother-In-Laws John E. Trieb and wife Sandy and Mark Trieb and wife Shauna as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Fontaine and Floyce Boles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Agricultural Department/Floral Design at Sulphur Springs High School to 1200 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Attn: Lindsey Arthur.