Weldon Eugene (Gene) Boley passed away peacefully in his home by his wife\u0027s side in Cottonwood, AZ on Monday, November 26, 2012. He was born February 7, 1925 in Marceline, MO to Everett William and Gladys Lillian (Lockwood) Boley. He graduated from high school in 1942 in Donnellson, IA where he was a star basketball player. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1942 and served his country for 24 years, attaining the rank of Naval Lieutenant. He married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth (Bettye) Ball, in 1946 in Donnellson, IA. Together they enjoyed many adventures and duty stations including CA, FL, HI, ME, VA, North Africa, Philippines, and Bremerhaven, Germany, where their adopted daughter Ginger joined them. During World War II, he served aboard ships in the Pacific Theater, one of which was the USS Purdy destroyer that was hit by a kamikaze near Okinawa. Throughout his naval career he received numerous medals. Gene enjoyed many activities including private pilot, tennis, golf, biking, community theater, and Toastmasters International. He is a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 66 years, Bettye, daughter Ginger Gene (Scott) Graham of Clarkdale, AZ, and two granddaughters Sarah and Megan Wolstencroft. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley (Boley) Ward. Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and for being a wonderful, loyal friend. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Westcott Funeral Home in Cottonwood, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer\u0027s Association or ALS (Lou Gehrig\u0027s) Association.