Joseph "Joe" Boylan Jr

joseph boylan

Joseph Thomas Boylan Jr., of Tyler, Texas, age 73, stepped into glory on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Joseph was born on April 10, 1952 in the Bronx, New York to Ethel and Joseph Boylan Sr. Joe was an athlete, an artist, a teacher, a gardener, a chef, a father, an exceptional grandfather (Poppy), a friend, a disciple of Jesus, and a fisher of men.

After a year of USMA Prep School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, he attended and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1975. In 1984, he graduated from Penn State University with a Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

For 21 years he faithfully served in the United States Army and retired in 1994 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retiring, Joe went on to have many fruitful civilian careers. Joe worked as Director of Engineering at Disneyland in Anaheim, California where he was instrumental in the construction and development of Disney’s California Adventure. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas, the Chief Executive Officer of The Boys and Girls Club of Tyler, Texas and he finished his professional career by serving as an associate professor of Construction Management in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Tyler.

While most men would measure their life in career accomplishments, Joe’s greatest and most prized accomplishments were the measure of his steadfast faith and the legacy of love he leaves with his family. Joe was a natural teacher and discipler, who delighted in studying the Bible and helping others discover the riches found within. He loved to teach the Word of God and firmly believed every True Truth within it to the end. He also loved to help people discover their gifts and callings and he was known to exhort many a man to step into their highest call. His life verse was Colossians 1:28-29: “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Joe’s great joy was seeing people grow in their relationship with the Lord and their understanding of His Word.
Joe also passionately loved his family, and dedicated his time to planning epic vacations, quality family time, and thoughtful, generous gift giving.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan; his children Lindsay (Kyle) Setliff of New Braunfels; Charis (Chad) Freije of Dallas; Joshua (Aimee) Boylan (Captains in the United States Army) of West Point, New York; and 13 grandchildren: Griffin, Presleigh, Tatum and Sloane Setliff; Eden, Cademen, Haven, Lilyan and Sutton Freije; Bexley, Ellison, and twins Blair and Knox Boylan; and siblings Robert Boylan of Easton, Pa; Christopher ( Kimberly) Boylan of Vernon Hills, Illinois; and Kathleen (Christopher)Minerly of Unionville, Connecticut.

A military honors service will be held at a later date at The United States Military Academy at West Point where he will ultimately be laid to rest.

In remembrance of Joe’s life, please consider a donation to Officers’ Christian Fellowship at 4050 Lee Vance Dr, Ste 330, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, or online at www.ocfusa.org.

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  1. We are so sorry to hear the loss of a great man and former neighbor. May all the special memories you all shared together help you all during this difficult time. In deepest sympathy.

    MaryKay Keehn (Ryan Keehn/Sarah Keehn)

  2. Love this description of Joe Boylan! It is as delightful & diverse as he was. I have to add ‘a very kind, thoughtful & welcoming neighbor & shepherd!’ He will not be forgotten.

    You are all in our prayers!

    With our love,
    The Roller Family

  3. We honor Mr. Boylan. He influenced more lives than he could imagine. His steadfast love for the Lord and his family was his top priority.
    We celebrate his graduation into heaven, where he will be waiting to be reunited with his family. We are thankful he will continue to reap a harvest even after he fulfilled his purpose here on earth.

  4. Joe was the best teacher I ever had school college church. Hands-down is a wonderful man and wonderful teacher. I cared for him and Susan immensely.


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