Donald Edward Boyer

Donald Edward Boyer, 95, of Easley, South Carolina, beloved husband of Sally Boyer, was called home on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Born on February 3, 1931, in Franklinville, New York, he was a son of the late Edward L. and Iva Ehman Boyer.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force and Reserve, Don served during the Korean War. He rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant, a distinction that shaped his sense of duty and devotion to country for the rest of his life. His commitment to service never wavered, it simply found new expressions in the years that followed.

Following his military service, Don embarked on a distinguished career in law enforcement, serving the Bradford, Pennsylvania area for 31 years, including his tenure as Chief of Police for Foster Township. It was there he earned the nickname "Chief", a title given with affection and respect that followed him for the remainder of his days, especially pleasing to him when uttered by his grandchildren. He was a charter member of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as other law enforcement associations. His years of service stood as a testament to his dedication to protecting and serving others, a role he embraced with quiet pride and deep responsibility.

A mid-career graduate of Mercyhurst University and a proud alumnus of the 105th Session of the FBI National Academy, Don was committed to continuous learning and professional excellence throughout his life. In retirement, he channeled his compassion into a second career at the Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse in Olean, New York. He derived great joy in helping others find their footing with the same calm resolve that had defined his career in law enforcement.

Don and Sally poured their hearts into building their dream log home in Rew, PA, a labor of love he tackled with skilled craftsmanship. In his later years, the pull of family proved stronger than any roots, taking him and Sally to Easley, SC, to be closer to their youngest grandchildren; this proved to be a decision that spoke volumes about what mattered most to him.

The skies called to him early. Don obtained his pilot's license and took his first solo flight in 1954 with aviation remaining one of his great loves for the rest of his life; he could turn any conversation into one focused on planes and flying. A reflection of his lifelong adventurous spirit and love of exploration, he sat in the co-pilot's seat for a final flight just one month before his final takeoff from his earthly home. It was a fitting farewell for a man who always seemed most at home somewhere between heaven and earth.

Don was known for an uncommonly generous spirit, a steadfast loyalty to his friends, and a love of family that was the bedrock of everything he built. His sense of humor was legendary with a joke always within reach, delivered with the perfect timing of a man who understood that laughter is its own kind of medicine. Above all, he was a man of deep faith who loved Jesus wholeheartedly, regularly attending Easley First Baptist Church, reading daily scripture and devotions until the week before his passing, and mustering all of his energy to sing hymns from his bed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sally Cross Boyer; his sons Donald E. (Kim) of Bradford, PA; Donald Lee (Robert Kavanagh) of West Chester, PA; and David Michael (Amy) Boyer of Easley, SC; his daughter, Susan (Robert) Lineman of Bradford, PA; and his nine grandchildren (four in South Carolina and five in Pennsylvania) who carry forward his love, his laughter, and his legacy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Jeanne (Clement) Boyer; a son, Randy J. Boyer; his sister, Helen Arick; and his brother, Bobby.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, officiated by Reverend Dr. John Adams. A private burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, be made to the Hospice of the Foothills – Cottingham House Expansion, https://prismahealth.org/giving/oconee-memorial-hospital-foundation/cottingham-house-expansion , out of gratitude for the outstanding care Don received during his final days.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com  or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.