Sidney Boudreaux

My name is Sidney Boudreaux, and my family calls me Daddy, Papa, Buster, Honey, Baby, or Sid. I was born in Houston, Texas, on September 25, 1932, and had a fantastic childhood in Nacogdoches and Houston. My Texas family named me Buster, and that’s the name that stuck. I attended Texas A&M but went on to graduate from the University of Houston (always an Aggie at heart).

One of my best decisions was joining the United States Army, because I’ll tell anyone who asks (or doesn’t ask) that meeting Marjory Ridgway at Fort Leonard Wood was when my life really began. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn’t mutual. In fact, she wouldn’t even have a cup of coffee with me. My boss finally called her boss and said, “For the love…tell Marj to give Boudreaux one chance.” We were married three months after our first date, and my heart has never been the same. She was mine for 68 years, until a bunch of health issues ganged up on me.

Marj isn’t the only one who has my heart. I have five wonderful children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. How in the world did I get so lucky? I am immensely grateful that the Lord blessed me with a family to love, protect, and cherish.

This is the part of the obituary where Marj wants me to tell you about my work history. We served together as missionaries to the Philippines for 22 years before retiring to Joplin, Missouri, where our adult children had settled. We still have so many special relationships with our Filipino friends and family. After coming stateside, I worked another 10 years for Cargill Analytical Labs before retiring a second time. Staying home is something I simply could not do, so I worked at Walmart another 24 years before retiring for a third and final time. I met so many wonderful co-workers there and, up until my very last days, I tried to convince my family I could go back part-time.

Some other things Marj and my children want you to know. I cannot stand personality tests. My family talks about Color Code and Enneagram incessantly, and they say I’m a white/yellow. I tell them it’s all bogus. I love pecan pie and ice cream. One of my favorite ways to spend an evening used to be watching my kids (and now my grandkids) play sports or sing in the choir. If you ever sat by me, I hope you were prepared to hear how smart and athletic and kind they all are, and how they make any team better. If we aren’t at the airport four hours early, we’re late. As soon as we board a bus or plane, I will suddenly want a sandwich. I love all my “puppies” (any dog). I am the king of the thermostat, and I will turn on the heat in the summer and roast my family whenever it suits me. 3 am is the best time to get up and make some coffee. My number one priority is taking care of my wife and family (that has never changed even now that my memory and words can be in the wrong order). I love a good cheeseburger and fries and a chocolate malt. One of the greatest joys of my heart is looking for opportunities to share my love for Jesus and encourage and help other people. I am happiest when I’m able to be generous with my heart and resources, and my prayer each day is that the Lord will allow me to be useful, purposeful, and show others what it means to be a Christian man.

I mentioned that several health issues recently ganged up on me. On November 9th, 2025, I was in my comfy bed in my favorite sunroom. My family was gathered around me, some holding my hands, some with a hand on my cheek, a hand on my heart, and they sang me to sleep with one of my favorite songs, “It Is Well” (the Kristene DiMarco version, to be specific). I woke up in the arms of Jesus, and how does it get any better than that? It would be the joy of my heart if you all joined me here one day.

For now, I’ve left some of my family behind to continue sharing their love for Jesus: my love of 68 years, Marj; our five wonderful children: Carolyn (Jason) Plassman, Sharon Martin, Jamie (Britt) Boudreaux, Scott (Darla) Boudreaux, Roberta (Rob) Pommert; twelve of the best grandchildren I am so proud of: Drew (Jess) Pommert, Justin (Erin) Boudreaux, Mackenzie (Shannon) Boudreaux, Jack Boudreaux, Devin (Ally) Plassman, Alivia (Mark) Nesbitt, Christian (Emily) Plassman, Caden (Maria) Pennick, Jenna (Garrik) Williams, Layne Pennick, Lilly Plassman, and Cael Plassman; and my nine precious great-grandchildren: Diana, Claire, Bekah, Kevin, Raelyn, Wylee, Weston, Magnolia, and Baylor. And many other loved ones and their families in the Philippines.

Instead of flowers, here’s what would make my heart the happiest: eat a slice of pie and ice cream with your family. Turn your thermostat to 87 and still say you’re cold. When you get behind a slow driver, pretend it’s me and I’m just looking at everything with wonder and curiosity like I’ve been doing for 93 years. Get to the airport four hours early and eat a cheeseburger and fries while you wait. Look for opportunities to be vibrant and truly love and encourage others. Be tender and kind. Give generously of your time and resources. Look for ways to be of service. Help a young family, because babies are expensive. If you know Jesus, do your best to live like Him and treat others like He would. If you don’t know Jesus or have been hurt by someone claiming to be a Christian, I want you to know that people are fickle, but Jesus loves you and He is always good. He wants to be your comfort and protection and Savior. Cherish your family and love them with all you’ve got.

My family would love for you to come celebrate my life with them at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at College Heights Christian Church, Joplin, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO