Rev. Byron Leon Boykin

Funeral Services Celebrating the Life of Rev. Byron Leon Boykin, 76, of Ruston, LA, will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 4, 2025, at Farmerville Assembly of God with Rev. Ron Charrier, Rev. Ricky Bonnett, and Rev. Robbie Lawson officiating. Interment will follow at Old Lapile Cemetery in Lapile, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Monroe. 

Rev. Boykin was born January 3, 1949, and was called home by his Lord and Savior on March 30, 2025.

Rev. Boykin accepted Christ into his life at the young age of 9. From that day forward he knew that God had put a calling on his life for ministry. Byron was a very talented athlete, loving the game of baseball. In high school several talent scouts talked to him about playing professionally. He knew he would have to decide on playing the game he loved or serving Christ in ministry, and he knew there was no other option for him but to serve Christ. He began pastoring his first church at the young age of 22. In 1977 at the age of 28 he helped found the First Assembly of God church in Farmerville, La. and served until 1989. He and his family moved to Sulphur, La. and pastored for many years before Bro. Boykin moved back to West Monroe, La. to start a new church. He was very proud to become a professor and minister at Omega Bible Institute receiving his PhD. in Theology. Byron taught Bible as a teacher at several schools, one being the local Christian school, Union Christian Academy.

His heart was always for teaching. He said the bible started talking to him very early in his life and he loved nothing more than to preach and teach God's Word to others. He loved the scripture in Hebrews 10:7 ... "Lo, I come in the volume of the book"; He knew the Book always gave him the answers he needed in life's struggles. Byron's second passion in life was hunting and spending time with his family. He baptized his brother just a few weeks before Carl Boykin went to be with Jesus. He has married, baptized and dedicated most every family member in his life.

2013 it became necessary for Rev. Boykin to retire from pastoring due to health issues after serving for over 40 years but he never stopped preaching and teaching around the country when invited. Byron has always had a true heart for people and his desire was to always make a difference in every life he touched. Rev. Boykin married his wife, Kathy in 2003 and blended their beautiful children and gained many precious grands throughout the last 22 years.

Such a huge void will be left in the Boykin Family, extended family and friends but he has finished the race with honor and is rejoicing with his Mom, Dad and 2 brothers. He is surely sitting at the feet of his precious Savior that he has longed to see face to face for over 70 years. Kathy would like to thank all the caregivers at Fresenius Kidney Care for not just providing excellent medical care but making them feel like family over the last couple of years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Sybil Irvin Boykin; two brothers, Carl Lane Boykin and Roger Wayne Boykin; and brother-in-law, Mark Gibson.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Kathy Howell Boykin; six children, Aaron Leith Boykin (Marlus), Amber Turnage (Brad), Caleb Leon Boykin (Karen), Micah Boykin (Stacey), Brian Lindsey, and Heather Brumley (Dorian); eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Karen McKnight (Terry) of Delhi, LA, Judy Harper (Darin) of Green Forest, AR; brother, Curtis Boykin (Pam) of Huttig, AR; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

Pallbearers will be Blake Boykin, Daniel Boykin, Carter Boykin, Shay Boykin, Tyler Brumley, Michael McKnight, Cannon Boykin, and Clint Boykin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aaron Boykin, Caleb Boykin, Micah Boykin, Rev. Vincent Butler, Rev. Stan Thrift, Rev. Duane Amis, Rev. Roger Temple, Rev. Kendall Corkern and Dr. Henry Harbuck.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Friday, April 4, 2025, at Farmerville First Assembly.

Memorials may be made to First Assembly of Ruston.