Donald Leon Boan

This obituary was written by Don shortly before his death.

Donald L. Boan died October 12, 2017. Don was born October 24, 1937 in St. Louis, MO, was raised in Belleville, IL, and graduated from McKendree College.  He lived most recently in Gilbert, Arizona.  He loved everything about Arizona and from his arrival he was home.

Don loved the arts, especially music of all kinds. In his early youth, Don was an accomplished classical pianist.  However, Don gravitated to jazz.  His first professional gig at 14 was playing piano at a burlesque theater.  While in high school and college he played various jazz venues around the St. Louis area.  Don always sought out a bar playing Dixieland music.

Don loved a good party and did his best to never miss one. Each Thursday afternoon became a party at Reubens.  Don was helped through good times and everything else by his own “band of brothers”. John, Smitty, Bobby, Mike, Rusty and Steve were his family.  And he fondly remembered Mama Sita feeding them all.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda who was his best friend and most trusted partner of 35 years. He always said when he found someone who loved a piano bar, scotch, and football it was true love.  Together they traveled and truly enjoyed life more than Don ever imagined.

He is also survived by his step family, Chris, Michelle, Lauren, Alex, Scott, Missy, Nicholas, Jessica and Katie Borror.

Don’s final wish was for everyone to raise a glass in a drink to him. He looked forward to knowing Mike had the bar ready for him to arrive and that Billy and Doc were already there telling their stories.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Louis Children’s Hospital Camp Rhythm Pediatric Heart Camp and Hospice of the Valley.  A memorial event will be held December 3, 2017.   Please contact the family for additional information.