Gale Boughner of East Grand Rapids, was born in Petoskey, Michigan on February 24, 1923 to Ella and Harry Boughner and died Tuesday, January 8, 2013. In 1930 the family moved to Grand Rapids, where he attended Burton Elementary and Junior High School and graduated from South High School in 1942 where he played basketball and football. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp where he was a B 24 bomber pilot flying reconnaissance flights over Japan, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. After the war Gale worked at Blackmer Pump for many years as manager of their customer service department. During his retirement he belonged to Silver Lake Country Club, playing golf frequently every week. He was also a member of the Grand Rapids Men’s Breakfast Club, The Elks and Park Congregational Church. Gale was a loving husband, father and grandfather, enjoying family and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Boughner and son, Jeffrey Boughner. Gale and Jackie were married for 43 happy years. Gale will be greatly missed by his wife, Jacqueline; his son, Lee (Barb) Boughner; step-son, Rick (Trudy) Johnson of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Ryan Boughner, Molly Boughner-Weatherbie, Adam Johnson and Audrey Johnson; his brother, Homer (Esther) Boughner of Cadillac and sister, Doris Bustraan of Grand Rapids. Gale’s funeral will be held at Park Congregational Church on East Park Place on Friday, January 18 with visitation at 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 12:00 Noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or the Disabled Veterans Association, 4809 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.
