Junious Boatwright

Junious T. “JT” Boatwright, 89 years, of Bethlehem and formerly of Lower Saucon Township and Hellertown, entered eternal rest on Sunday, September 16, 2007. He was the beloved husband of Gladys I. (Shimer) Boatwright. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in May. Born in Bangor, PA, he was the son of the late Junious F. and Mary E. (Riley) Boatwright. He was raised in Bethlehem, graduated from Liberty High School, Bethlehem Business School, and attended Lehigh University. He served his country honorably in the US Army for 25 years. During this time, he served in World War II, the honor guard in Tokyo, Japan, the VietNam war, and as an advisor to the National Guard. He retired from the military with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1967. Following his service, he worked for the former Bethlehem Globe Times, and then for the PA Liquor Control Board in Quakertown until his final retirement in 1980. He was an active member of Lower Saucon UCC where he served on the consistory. He also belonged to the Edward F. Ackerman Post of the American Legion in Hellertown, and lodge #563 of the F. & A. M. Along with his wife, he is survived by twin daughters, Bonnie, wife of James Oszeyczik, and Beverly, wife of J. Michael Monaghan, both of Bethlehem; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, at Lower Saucon UCC, 1375 Third Ave, Hellertown. Call from 10 to 11 on Thursday in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kidney Foundation or Lower Saucon UCC.