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William Boston
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William 'Bill' Boston, 87, died Sunday, Oct. 24.

He was born in Tyler, Missouri.

He joined the Army Air Corp in 1940, serving for five years, where he was a Master Sergeant.

Mr. Boston moved to Riverbank in 1945, where he lived until after he retired, and then moved to Oakdale in 1987.

He started his banking career in 1947, working for Bank of America, Bank of California, and Delta.

He spent most of his adult life volunteering for others. He belonged to the Riverbank Community Methodist Church.

Between working and family, he served as the Mayor of Riverbank, was president of the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and Rotary. He was a member of Oakdale Golf and Country Club from the beginning and Oakdale Dinner Club, of which he was also president. He was instrumental in starting the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Expo. In later years, he was honored as Volunteer of the Year with Oakdale Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers - instead of a Pink Lady, he was their only Blue Boy. He also was in an RV group, which included friends from the Escalon area.

It was while Mr. Boston was mayor that the Riverbank Community Center and swimming pool were built. Also at that time, the city bought the water company and Riverbank received an award from the President of the United States, designating Riverbank as the cleanest city in its size category.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elisabeth 'Betty' Bentley Boston; daughters, Patricia (Tom) Shaefer, Andrea Gilbert, Rebecca Boston; sister, Ethie Jane Rains; grandchildren, Teresa, Tony, Robyn, Brett, Kristyn and Mathew; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gray Boston; and mother, Freda Harris.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 1 at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery. Immediately following the services, family and friends will remember him with a reception at H-B in Oakdale.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Oct. 27, 2010