Michael Dean Boulware

Michael Dean “Mike” Boulware, 80, of Bagwell, Texas passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.  Mike was born June 23, 1943, in Houston, Texas to Dean and Juanita (Howard) Boulware.  He married the love of his life, Melba Compton Boulware, on February 19, 1965.  They would have celebrated 59 years together on Monday, February 19, 2024. 

Mike was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Friendship Masonic Lodge #16, AF&AM, where he served as the lodge’s district deputy for the State of Texas.  Mike served as the President of Fairview Cemetery board from 1986 until his death; he was also a member of the Red River County Water District Board for several years.  Mike was a retired member of the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department, serving Clarksville and Red River County for 25 years, and occupying the Chief’s position for three terms. 

Mike opened his Mechanic’s shop, Boulware’s Auto Repair, in 1977, and serviced the community for close to 30 years, before joining the team at Red River Army Depot, where he retired in 2010.

Mike went by many names over the years: Brother, Daddy, Husband, Son, Uncle, but his favorite was Poppy.  He loved his family and “kids” above all else.  He dedicated his life to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all the friends they brought into his life over the years.

Drag Racing was Mike’s passion, having passed his love for the sport down through 4 generations in his family and pulling many friends into the sport along the way.  As much as he loved driving, he found his true calling when his grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren started racing junior dragsters where he became their mentor, Crew Chief, and #1 Fan.

Mike’s love for old cars was obvious to all who knew him.  Over the years, he restored several and tuned on many hot rods in his free time.  He loved to give advice and help anyone that shared his interest in cars, racing or not.

Mike dedicated the last 12 years of his life to raising his great-grandson Mason Boulware, who was like a son to him.  Mike could often be heard saying Mason was his best friend and that Mason kept him young.

He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but he leaves an especially large hole in the heart of his family.

Mike was proceeded in death by his youngest daughter Barbie Boulware; one brother, Glen Boulware; his parents; Dean and Juanita Boulware; in-laws, M.E. (Buck) and Elgie Compton and a nephew, Jerry Dean Boulware.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melba; two daughters: Zuby (Betty) Boulware and life partner Tim King of Ashland City, Tennessee; and Glenda Thompson and husband Kyle of Reno, Texas.  Six grandchildren: Ali Coston of Reno, Texas; Justin Enox of Reno, Texas; Clark Garrison and wife, Chelsea, of Clarksville, Texas; Brandy Enox of Blossom, Texas; Michael Enox and wife, Trinity, of Paris, Texas; and Gracie Thompson of Reno, Texas; Seven great-grandchildren: Mason Boulware, Terreallyn Surber, Tristian Enox, Sya Conklin, Braelyn Garrison, Lexa Garrison, and Alycia Lopez.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home with Rev. Ryan Youngblood and Paul Allen officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Clarksville Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Larry Blagg, Jack Blagg, Heath Harvey, Dale Hines, Cody Tefteller, Cary Scott, Kevin Pilip, and James Martin.

Honorary pallbearers are the Clarksville Volunteer Firemen who served with Mike during his time with the department.

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