Boyd M. Bland, 75, of Gove, Kansas, passed away on December 28, 2021. Boyd was born in Hays, Kansas, on October 3, 1946, to Kenneth C. and Elsie Mae (Tindal) Bland.
Boyd graduated from Gove Rural High School in 1964. He attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, before graduating from Fort Hays State University.
Boyd married Karen Ann Herl on September 12, 1972. The couple made their home near Gove for their 49 years of marriage.
Boyd was a 4th generation Gove County farmer and stockman. He partnered with his father in 1968 to form Bland Custom Harvesting, an endeavor he took great personal pride in for more than 30 years. The individuals he harvested wheat, corn, and milo for started as customers but became lifelong friends.
In 1976 he achieved one of his childhood dreams by earning his private pilot’s license. He thoroughly enjoyed every chance he got to take up his Cessna Skyhawk – N12247.
Boyd is survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters Jennifer (Jon) Novak of Oketo, Kansas, and Jessica (Dennis) Ferguson of Hampton, Nebraska; a son Jamie (Misty) Bland of Gove; sister Barbara (Darrell) Zimmerman of Mulvane, Kansas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren in whom he took great delight: Shayla and Brandon Novak, Grant, Lofton, and Kenley Ferguson, Haelie, Auston, and Kelsie Bland.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Boyd M. Bland, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 3, 2022, at Gove Community Bible Church, with Pastor Chris Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Gove Cemetery, with lunch served at the church fellowship hall immediately after.
Visitation will be from 5 -7 PM, Sunday January 2, 2022, at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Gove Community Bible Church or Gove County Historical Association. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 Main St. Quinter, Kansas, 67752.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com