W.J. "Dub" Boler was born September 20, 1921 in Brownwood, Texas to William and Lois Boler. He grew up in Brownwood, Texas and graduated from Brownwood High School. He continued his education at Daniel Baker College and Sam Houston State Teacher's College where he majored in agriculture.
He excelled in track competitions at Sam Houston State. On May 12, 1940, he married Tacoma O. Ribble of Brownwood, Texas. After their marriage, W.J. worked six years for the Santa Fe Railroad and operated a Grade "A" Dairy Farm in Brown County. In 1948, W.J. and his family moved to Abilene, Texas where he worked as a self-employed home builder. He moved his family to Midland in 1950 and continued to work as a home builder. He purchased Odessa Pump in 1960, changed the name to Boler Pump and began building and maintaining service stations in the state of Texas. The Boler family business is still in operation under the name of Boler Equipment Service. He was a longtime member of the Westside Church of Christ in Midland.
Those that called him "Daddy" or "Granddad" were extremely blessed! Mr. Boler's greatest joy on earth was his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. His extended family and friends were many. His devotion to his wife and family was always apparent and will forever be treasured by those who will always love him and miss him. "There was always love in Daddy's hands."
He was preceded in death by his father, William Eugene Boler; his mother, Lois Pearl Boler; his brother, Charles Edward Boler; two sisters, Lillian Pearl Boler and Margaret Stewart; two daughters, Marticia Jewel Boler and Lexa Coeise Boler; grandson, Jon Kent Hanlan; and great-grandson Branum Austin Welch. W.J. Boler is survived by his wife of 69 years, Tacoma Ribble Boler; his six children Judy Cauble of Fort Worth, Texas; Jalienne Hanlan of Midland, Texas; Charles Boler of Midland, Texas; Larry Boler and wife Dru Ann of Midland, Texas; Floyd Boler and wife Robyn of Midland, Texas; and Mary Alderman and husband Curtis of Midland, Texas; and a brother, Jack Boler and wife Fran of Powderly,Texas.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at Westside Church of Christ in Midland. Pallbearers were his six grandsons, Ribble Boler, James Hanlan, Brad Hanlan, Greg Boler, Chad Cauble and Michael Boler. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Jack Boler, Bobby Ray Ribble, Brooks Ribble, Curtis Alderman, Jeff Haile, Jerry Smith, Joe Don Galbraith, Kent Hanlan, and Mike Galbraith. Graveside services were on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Brown County, Texas. Donations may be offered to the Westside Church of Christ in memory of W.J.Boler. The family would like to express special thanks and appreciation to Celeste King, Lasaundria Young, Poppy Flowers and Home Care Plus.
From the Midland Reporter-Telegram from 11/11/2009 - 11/12/2009