Herbert F Boyd

On April 29th 2026 Herbert Boyd was admitted to and joined the exclusive group described in Hebrews 12:1: "The Great cloud of Witnesses," accessible only by "wo you know" (Jesus) and death. With those already in the club, anticipating Herbert's arrival, he sighed a quiet expiration of air, then he inspired the rarified air of the Glory of God. Generations of family and friends were there to welcome him home. The praise celebration had begun, the party had started, and he joined in on the songs they were already singing. Herbert isn't resting in peace; he's dancing in glory.

Herbert was born in 1934 to Claude and Thelma Boyd, the fifth child of 15 children in Crofton, Kentucky.

He attended the Consolidated School System in a one-room class consisting of all ages and grades. He was forced to leave school after the 8th grade to assist with the household. In the mid-50's, he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1953, he entered the armed services, the Army, and served there for two years. After returning home, he met and married Clara Clelland. He had two children in Indiana, Carol Janice and Herbert Jr., and then moved to the San Fernando Valley in California. He went to have a third child Etta Marie.

Life brought both joy and heartbreak, including the tragic loss of his wife and two daughters. Yet through it all, Herbert carried on with strength, faith, and a deep love for family.

Over the following years, Herbert developed a love of golf, and having a golf course on the grounds of the Veterans Administration facility where he worked inspired him to further develop his skills. You could find him on weekends at any golf course within 50 miles of home.

He also had a sincere love for family. Every year, he would try to make it to a reunion and support any upcoming plans organized by family members. If the reunion were planned near a casino, he would be sure to make a few appearances. He also enjoyed music; he had an amazing admiration for jazz, but he also had a heart for good gospel music. He could belt out songs at times when you'd least expect it, that touched his heart, that he said his father used to sing at the Methodist Church. Herbert was very active in the church as an usher at the First Assembly of God in the 90's, and a camp counselor for the youth. Because he loved people, once he retired from the VA, he became an Ombudsman in the Antelope Valley for a few years.

While working at the VA, Herbert re-entered the education system, obtaining an AA degree and becoming a Certified Mental Health Associate. He was also a Union President for several years before retiring. He worked at the VA for 30 years. While working there he met his current wife, Pat, and moved to the Antelope Valley, residing in Lancaster, CA.

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