Area Obituaries
John Robert Boldrey, age 95, of Houston, Texas passed away on July 23, 2023 at his residence. He was born on February 04, 1928 in Crawford County, Illinois, the son of Robert and Lula (Stoltz) Boldrey. John attended grade school in Landes, Illinois and graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in Bridgeport, Illinois. He furthered his education at Olney Community College, State of Illinois, Vincennes University, and University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. For 27 years, he worked as an engineer in the Refining Division of Texaco at Lawrenceville, Illinois and Port Arthur, Texas and as a project manager for Texaco International for construction of hydrodesulfurization processing units in Trinidad West Indies, Wales, and Anacortes, Washington. He retired from Texaco in 1984. His certifications and memberships included State of Texas Professional Engineers License, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, and American Society of Civil Engineers. As a resident of Lawrenceville Illinois for 15 years, he was active in the community, acting as President of the Teen Council, during construction of the Teen Center. He acted as an inspector for construction of the new wing of The United Methodist Village. He held a State Teacher Certificate in Engineering for the State of Illinois and taught “Blue Print Reading”. He maintained his family farm near Oblong Illinois until his death. Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Elizabeth Mae Boldrey. Survivors include three children, Valorie Langille, husband Bruce, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, John Kevin Boldrey of Redmond, Washington, and Cathy Wright, husband John, of Somerset, Kentucky; two sisters, Vera Dickey of Shelbyville, Kentucky and Mary Winters, husband Dan, of Cleveland, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Craig Langille, Scott Langille, wife Meghan, Jane Boldrey, Evan Boldrey, Nathan Ernst, wife Ana, and Cameron Neighbors, husband Matthew; and five great-grandchildren, Evan Langille, Tyler Langille, Gabriela Ernst, Noah Ernst, and Memphis Neighbors. Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:30 AM CDT at the Waggoner Cemetery. Emmons-Macey ; Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
