Zackary Taylor Boykin
March 16th, 1984 — November 12th, 2025
Zackary T. Boykin, age 41, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away at 6:34 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL, surrounded by family.
Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 at High Point Church – Marion with Pastor Dean Hammonds officiating. Rendering honors by the US Marine Corps Honor Guard will follow at Meneese Cemetery in Goreville, IL. A Celebration of Life will follow between 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Williamson County Shrine Club in Marion, IL.
Zackary was born March 16th, 1984 in Oxford, Mississippi, a son of Audine R. (Ruggles) Bucklew and Timothy R. Boykin. He married the love of his life, Sarah E. (Almaroad) Boykin on December 26th, 2022 in Marion, IL. He is survived by his spouse Sarah E. Boykin of West Frankfort, IL; two bonus children, Jaxon X. Vick (9 years of age) and Raegan E. Vick (6 years of age) of West Frankfort, IL; one son (1 year of age) Baron K. Boykin and one Daughter to arrive February 3rd, 2026 of West Frankfort, IL; his father-in-law, Ronald Almaroad of Goreville, IL; his mother and stepfather, Audine and Jim Bucklew of Marion, IL; his father and stepmother, Timothy and Darcy Boykin of Summerville, SC; three siblings, Rachel Boykin of Johnston City, IL, Noah Boykin of Summerville, SC, and Kyra Boykin of Summerville, SC; two step-siblings, Lisa (Tony) Suelzer of Fort Wayne, IN and Amanda Bucklew of Fort Wayne, IN; and one niece, Isabella Ray of Johnston City, IL and one nephew Oliver Ray of Johnston City, IL. He is also survived by several cousins, aunts, uncles, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ted and Dolores (Clement) Boykin of Salisbury, NC and maternal grandparents, Charles Ruggles of San Jose, CA and Peggy (Frauhiger) Ruggles Campbell of Albion, IN; maternal aunt, Belinda (Boothe) Oswald of Churubusco, IN; and Mother-in-Law, Cherie (Loucks) Almaroad of Goreville, IL.
Zackary had attended Central Noble High School, graduating in the class of 2003. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013. He served our country as a Heavy Equipment Engineer for two tours in Afghanistan, as well as one NATO assignment in South Korea. Zack enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, kayaking, and building things with his hands. He was an amazing father and husband and was extremely excited about the impending arrival of his baby girl, Shelby Rei Boykin. Zack had the greatest sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He would brighten every room he walked into and never knew a stranger. Zackary was an extremely generous man and in his death he was an organ donor and was able to save numerous lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions for building the children’s college fund, in care of Marion Regions Bank; Account Titled – Zackary Boykin Children’s College Fund. Marion Regions Bank Phone Number is 618-440-5460. www.regions.com
So sorry for your loss Sarah. He was too young but like Barney God needed him for a special mission. You have alot of good memories that you will be able to share I am sure. It will be five years this month, one day after Thanksgiving. Just take one day at a time and you’ll find yourself crying alot. Love you
My first Jesus in the children’s church play Watch the Lamb, when he lived in Albion Indiana and attended the Albion Wesleyan Church. He was a good “ kid” then and seems to have continued on that path. I lost track of him when they left Indiana. I am sorry for your loss. This world will miss him! Prayers for you and the family🙏
Semper Fidelis, Zach. Until Valhalla… May God bless your family.
~the McGregors
I remember when he first came to Wolf Lake in the 3rd grade. He walked into Mrs. Quigleys class, thinking it was the wrong classroom. He got mad and walked right back out. My prayers are with his family.