Herman "Loren" Boyer, age 80 of Elwood, passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 at his residence following an extensive illness. He was born July 2, 1931 in Elwood, Indiana the son of Harold Leo and Lenna Marie (Silvey) Boyer. Loren was a setup man for Airfoil Textron (formerly Ex-Cello) in Elwood for over 30 years and retired in 1997. He also formerly worked for Pinkerton Security as a guard; worked for the Johns Manville Co. in the 1960's; worked at Delco Remy; and worked as a plasterer. He was a 1949 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served in the U.S. Navy at the end of the Korean War. He married Mary Patricia Laster on June 2, 1951. He was a member of the East Main Christian Church in Elwood, and also a former member of the Elwood Moose Lodge. He enjoyed training dogs and was a member of the Orestes Beagle Club. He loved reading western books, watching old TV shows, dining out, telling stories, and especially spending time with his family. Loren helped and cared for a lot of people. The family would like to especially thank Jamie Preston, Valeria Laster, and Mark Boyer for all the care and assistance they have provided to Loren in recent years.

Survivors include: 2 daughters – Debra L. (husband Jim) Morrow of Elwood, and Diana L. (husband Tom) Ricker of Deerfield, NH; 4 grandchildren – Tricia A. Holmes, Jamie L. Preston, Nichelle M. (husband Michael) Young, and Raymond T. (wife Sumalee) Ricker; 8 great-grandchildren – Joshua (wife Alicia) Morrow, Mitchell Preston, Derek Holmes, Aaron Preston, Jacob Holmes, Jessica Preston, Natashia Young, and Brian Young; 3 Step Great-Grandchildren – Raice Kampmeier, Raielle Scott, Christopher Scott; 2 Step Great-Great-Grandchildren – Tai Kampmeier and Seriena Haggerman; several nieces and nephews; beloved pet – "Tumbleweed".

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 50 years - Mary Patricia (Laster) Boyer who died September 4, 2001; son – Douglass L. Boyer; 4 brothers – Larry Ray Boyer, Ross Leonard Boyer, Joseph Leland Boyer, and Herbert Leo Boyer; and beloved dog – "Blaze".

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood where military graveside rites will be conducted by the U.S. Military and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM Wednesday prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.