A life’s earthly journey came to an end when Olen McCready Boyce passed at Christiana Care on December 12, 2022. He was 93 years old. Olen was the only son of Olen Gippson Boyce and Catherine Adams Boyce. He was born in Laurel, DE on May 25, 1929. He attended Laurel Public Schools graduating in 1947.

Born into a family of modest means in the wake of the depression, he learned at an early age that hard work, dedication, and loyalty could take you far in life. In addition, a good education gave you a firm base. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware while working full time for the DuPont Company. After an outstanding professional career of 44 years Olen retired from employment there.

Olen married his high school sweetheart Lucille Starnes Boyce. They had two children, David and Cathy (Boyce) Phillips. All three preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, David Phillips.

Throughout the years Olen was always active in church. Most recently at First Presbyterian Church in Newark where he volunteered with the financial operations of the church. He was also a member of the Newark Country Club.

Olen was a quiet man but had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He was exceedingly capable, a first-rate thinker, unfailingly loyal and upright. He was creative, imaginative and energetic. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and a friend to many. He was kind, caring, and funny, was there to help when needed.

The road he travelled was not always smooth but he met the bumps with grace, dignity, and faithfulness. In spite of much sadness in his life he walked calmly on the path of his life journey with strength and courage always grateful for the blessings bestowed upon him. He loved the outdoors, making a garden, feeding the birds, reading a good book…it was the small things that made him happy and satisfied.

Some years after retirement and his wife’s passing, he met and married Sandra Drummond Boyce. They had almost twenty-five happy years together. They were like “two peas in a pod,” laughed a lot, travelled, gardened together, and cherished family times together as well.

Olen will be sadly missed by wife Sandy, his stepson Doug Drummond (Chris), his grandchildren Brian Phillips (Summer), Rebecca Kriss (Jon), Doug Drummond Jr (Christina), and Sarah Webb, his great grandchildren James and Joshua, his sisters Anne Boyce (David), Trina Lloyd (Harold), numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A celebration of Olen’s life will be held on January 21, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church Newark, 292 W. Main St., Newark, DE. with visitation between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Newark or the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Dr, Newark, DE 19713.