Robert “Bob” Luther Boyd went home to be with his Savior, and his sweetheart JoAnn, on October 19, 2026, at the age of 91.
Always ready to tell others about the Good News, Bob’s devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ was evident in the way he lived every day. His exuberance and love of life were contagious. Anyone who heard him preach could clearly see that he was gifted by the Lord to preach the word of God; something he did well into his 80’s.
A devoted father, husband, pastor, and friend to countless people throughout his life, he wanted everyone to know that there was comfort and security in knowing Christ:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38 & 39 (NIV)
He was born in Odon, IN, in 1935 to Wayne and Katherine (Unversaw) Boyd and was a talented basketball player and musician. He earned a music scholarship to Indiana State University where he met his beautiful bride, JoAnn. Once married, Bob served in the United States Army for four years and then settled into his band director and music teaching career. He was a celebrated band director for the Lincoln High School, Vincennes, IN, band that played for President Lyndon Johnson’s visit where Bob was honored to shake the President’s hand.
During a church service in 1966, he felt the Lord speak to him in a supernatural way and tell him that he wasn’t living the life that God intended for him. Bob gave his life to Jesus and shortly felt the call to Christian ministry. He faithfully and lovingly served thousands of people at Taylor University, Upland, IN; Goshen United Methodist Church, Goshen, OH; OMS Mission Society, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Bogota, Colombia; Antioch United Methodist Church, Brookville, OH; First Dallas Church of God, Dallas, TX; West Side Church of God, Columbus, OH; Lakeview Wesleyan Church, Marion, IN; Trinity Wesleyan Church, Greenville, OH; First Baptist and First Light Butler Campus; Vandalia, OH. During his latter years, Bob’s fondest ministry was mentoring pastors, providing grace, encouragement, and love.
Bob loved his family very much and prayed daily for his children Christine Hinton, Pat Boyd (Michele), Brad Boyd (Amy), and Julie Boyd; and his beloved grandchildren Crue Boyd (Jenni), Katie Melson (Matt), Courtney Boyd, Elizabeth Boyd, Jacob Boyd (Daniel), Emma Boyd, Avery Boyd, Cherokee Boyd, and Arianna Boyd. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Jack and Valla Boyd, and Madison, Isaiah, Maisie, Ruthie, and John Melson who were a delight to him. Bob is preceded in death by his wife, his folks, and his sister Ella Mae (Fred) Gray.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Pastor Bob’s life on Monday, October 26, 2026, with visitation from 4-5 p.m. followed by a service at 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Wesleyan Church, 1400 E. Main St., Greenville, OH 45331. There will be a private interment. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, Bob wished that donations be given to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be expressed at www.zecharbailey.com for the Boyd family.
