WWII Panama Marine Passes
John F. Boyce
Date published: 5/24/2009
John F. Boyce
Retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. John F. Boyce, 84, of Fredericksburg passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at the McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond.
Born in Henry County, Virginia, John was a dedicated Marine. He was wounded twice in World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts. During the Korean War, he was wounded at the Inchon Landing and awarded another Purple Heart as well as the Silver Star. After the war he continued to serve with the Marine Corps as a diplomatic courier.
John was a lifelong member of the American Legion and was a commander of VFW Post 10546 as well as commander of VFW District 13. He was also a lifelong member of the Mickey Finn Marine Corps League in Triangle and of the Fleet Marine Association.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara Boyce of Fredericksburg; his stepchildren, Donna L. Pennington and her husband, John, of Leland, N.C., Dennis L. Killmon of Fredericksburg, and Thyra J.K. Nichols of Florida; his sisters Lydia Hariton of Colorado and Mary Carol Willey of Deep Creek; his grandchildren, J.W. "Jay" Pennington IV, Lisa P. Stormant, Krista Killmon, Keri Killmon, Rebecca Gordan, Sabrina Stanley, Jonathan Nichols and Michael Nichols; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Lydia Boyce; his brother, Jarret Boyce; and his sister Jean Costin.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels-Cremation Service, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. A funeral service celebrating John's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the funeral chapel.
Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice at McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23249.
Online condolences may be expressed to John's family at foundandsons.com.

The Final Reunion.

The Panama Marines have met for the final reunion unless someone wants to pick up the ball and run with it from here. An effort has been made to reach out to all who have served in Panama by moving the reunions around the country to make it close to home for those unable to travel. The Branson meeting was a great meeting as well as the trip back to Panama. Quantico was a fair turn out however San Diego turned out three couples. Back to the east coast and Pensacola, Florida and an attempt to reach out to the snow birds was another failure. The same three couples were the only ones in attendance. This is not to say that the experience was a failure as we had a great time both in San Diego and Pensacola. The “Blue Angels” put on a terrific show and the other activities were great as well. It just seems some are unable to travel any longer due to health reasons. Others may be experiencing the “change” our new administration has imposed upon us and all we have left is a little change. Others my just not be interested in coming. Whatever the reason it is no longer cost effective nor is it good use of our time to make all of these arrangements and then no one show up so if you desire to continue these meeting and want to put in the time and effort required please contact me. I will be glad to send you the mailing list and other contact information I have. I have enjoyed seeing all of you that were able to come to the meetings and want to thank all who have had a part in keeping this group together. Special thanks to the “Colonel” Barbara Boyce for all of her efforts in the past. OOOORAH, Semper Fi, Adios, Qeu Pasa, etc.
Chuck Milligan

We have a traveling banner. First stip was Myrtle Beach next Branson MO then to Panama
next stop Quantico VA next year it will be in San Diego. Join us under the banner if you served in Panama.