Claude Boyer, retired Grace Mennonite pastor, was a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages

Claude F. Boyer, 84, of Bluffton died at 5:50 a.m., Dec. 17, 2013, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. He was born Aug. 2, 1929, in Quakertown, Pa., to the late Marcus and Reda Meck Boyer. On June 29, 1952, he married Mary Maust and she survives.

Boyoer was a retired Mennonite minister. He served at Deep Run Mennonite Church, Bedminster, Pa., First Mennonite Church, Sugarcreek, First Mennonite Church, Reedley, Calif., and Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora.

He also had worked at Mennonite Central Committee as assistant director of volunteer services and Summer volunteer director. He served as president of Mennonite Central District Conference and was Central District Conference reporter to The Mennonite Weekly Review. He was a past editor of the Central District Conference newsletter. He was also previously a volunteer at Ten Thousand Villages and Et Cetera.

He was active with Habitat for Humanity.  He was a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, a graduate of Quakertown High School, Bluffton College, and received his Master's of Theology from Bethany Seminary, Chicago.

Survivors also include a son, Mark (Sandra) Boyer of New Philadelphia, a daughter, Elaine (Tom) Margo of Dover, two grandchildren, Aaron (Abby) Margo and Courtney (B.J.) Shalosky and three great grandchildren, Taylor and Tyson Shalosky and Benjamin Margo.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Louis Boyer and an infant sister.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Steven J. Yoder and Rev. Louise Wideman will officiate. Friends may call from 9:30 - 11 am Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bluffton University Music Department or the First Mennonite Church Music Fund. Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.