Emzy Ray Boehm, 76 years of both salty and sweet, was promoted to the Rice’s Crossing Store and grandest debt-free farm in the skies Feb. 5, 2022.
Dad was born Sept. 27, 1945, in Taylor, to Raymond Max and Irene Esther (Faykus) Boehm, growing up and raising hell in the Rice’s and Norman’s Crossing areas farming and ranching.
He excelled at academics, baseball and football, and loved telling stories of the truly rough football days, gaining the lasting name of “Bear,” the days before people were soft and where they pushed the coaches around on sleds, practice wasn’t over until everyone was green and fainting and you literally did walk home from school through snow and mud.
Dad graduated Hutto High School in 1964, and then became the first member of his family to intermittently leave the farm to attend Texas A&M, graduating in 1969 with Entomology and Ag Economics degrees; a time at A&M where the campus was quickly transformed as so many close friends were disappearing to the Vietnam draft.
Dad was drafted but it was at that time his heart condition was found and he was not allowed to serve. This was always a somber topic he frequently revisited, with continued sentiments of guilt over losing so many great young friends while he was spared.
Dad was a proud, fiercely loyal Aggie, so much so he made his pestering 3-year-old daughter walk home through the field after she didn’t heed his threats to stop singing the forbidden t-sip song and hand gesture, saying “I’m not raising a gotdamn hippie.” That was the last time she pushed that button.
Dad had many wonderful childhood friends who loved fast cars and mischief. He enjoyed telling stories of the good ole days where he and his salt of the earth friends were raised tough, loyal and determined. He proudly instilled these qualities into us two children, teaching us to drive vehicles at age 6 and tractors at age 7.
The Rice’s Crossing Store was a second home and family community with so many wonderful memories, and when asked where home was, he would say ‘Rice’s Crossing.’ His maternal grandparents owned and operated the Waterloo gin, and much of his childhood and adulthood was spent there. He also worked at local granaries and gins as a teen.
Dad was a devout, proud farmer and was deeply loyal to this Blackland soil that was so precious to our family; land that was hardfought to obtain and only through tireless, manual labor were his family able to pay back bankers to own. Dad owned so many freshly Pristine-polished green tractors that many of our friends and passersby thought he was Bigon Implement, so for most of our lives us kids referred to him as Bigon. It fit his big stories and big personality. Hard work and an eternal devotion to this land ran in his blood and was passed through six generations of Boehms on the same soil. A beautiful legacy of faith and endurance.
That faith and endurance brought Dad through so many uncontrollable years of drought and destruction. A faith to get up and go again and again that few professions face or understand. A faith and endurance that served him well into his later years as he faced health challenges with an endearing charm, humor and wit.
Dad was consistently referred by each doctor’s office or physical therapist as their favorite, as he was so sweet, funny yet underneath it all, so f”armer-ornery.”
Jesus prepared Dad for his sweet promotion to join in His loving arms seven years prior as he met Jesus during a very intense illness and Jesus wasn’t quite ready for this legend but He prepared Dad’s heart and spirit for the blessing of a forever home free of pain, fear, worry and struggle. It was a beautiful gift for Dad and his loved ones to know our story does not end this side of Heaven and the best is yet to come when we are united in His perfect paradise.
Dad was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Boehm and mother, Irene Boehm; his wise and hardworking uncle, Walter Werchan; and aunt Edna Boehm Werchan; uncles Alvin, Earnest and Elmer Faykus; and his beloved cousin, Denise Michna; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dad is survived by his family who all reside in the Rice’s Crossing farming community. His farmer son, Troy and his wife Jennifer; and the absolute pride and joys of his life, his grandsons Gage Colton and Garet Cason Boehm. As Grandpa, the softer side of Dad flourished, where he was always patient and available to spend countless hours doting and bs’ing with those boys. Both boys carry on Dad’s piercing, sweet blue eyes, big smile, wit, charm and the Boehm mischief and athletic genes. He leaves his old soul daughter Dana Boehm to carry on his devotion to this land, the history and mischievous relationship they treasured through good times and bad. He also leaves the best, most loyal friend he could have asked for in Allen Doubrava, whose family owned and operated the Rice’s Crossing Store. Dad also leaves the wonderful friends and cheerleaders of Katrina Barton and Laura Wilson who were instrumental in his drive and motivation to get past many a setback over many years.
Dad was larger than this life and the family welcomes family and friends to maintain his great legacy by continuing to share stores and laughs in the years to come as time will never dull the void he leaves until we meet again (where he will probably say ‘what took you so long slow poke. It’s about damn time.’)
Thank you for the love, laughs, lessons and legacy. We will always love and you’re your guidance Daddy/ Grandpa/Bigon.
Honorary pallbearer is Allen Doubrava.
Pallbearers are his sweet nephews Gage Boehm and Garet Boehm, and loyal farming friends Herbert Raesz, Jay Mikulencak, Mo Hamann, Scott Ging, Dougie Wallin and Blaine Faykus.
Visitation is Friday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home, 4765 Priem Lane in Pflugerville. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. at Funeral Beck Funeral Home.
Dad will take his final earthly drive past the Boehm and farming friends land through FM 1660 and FM 973 to the Taylor City Cemetery. A tractor salute will line his trip.
A celebration of life and this great farming and ranching community will be held with beer and barbecue at the Taylor KC Hall. All are welcome (aside from all but one politician).
Please share here, tell at the services or bring special stories of the good ole days to be treasured and passed on to future generations.
