Robert "Bob" Kent Boatman Obituary (1944 - 2023)

Robert Kent Boatman, Sr. Of Binghamton, New York passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 78. Born on October 9, 1944, in Dearborn, MI the son of Howard Dale Boatman Sr. and Betty Boatman and Mary (Wiseman) and Peter Brissman. Bob was raised in Dearborn where he graduated high school. He continued his education with a full academic scholarship at Michigan State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and went on to receive his Ph.D. from Florida Institute of Technology. In his early years, Bob taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later joined IBM which turned into Lockheed Martin. Bob's career led him and his family to call Kwajalein Island home for a fulfilling 2-year period of their lives. He held several engineering patents. Bob was a man who found joy in life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed dining out, staying informed through watching the news and Jeopardy, and surfing the internet. Bob's hands were skilled with cars, and he generously aided countless friends. His faithful cat, Grayson, was his constant source of comfort. Bob held a wealth of knowledge, and he would be the one you would seek out for sound advice and information. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Howard Boatman, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Debra Boatman, along with his six children, Tara (Matt) Dills, Tish (David) Bartlett, Tamara (Alex) Evans, Robert Boatman, Jr., Ryan Boatman, Kent Boatman. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Collin (Kaitlyn) Dills, Kameron Landers, Jonathan (Madison) Dills, Nathan Dills, Marissa Dills, Garrett Bartlett, Carter Evans, and his siblings, Stephen (Dixie) Boatman, Pamela (Larry) Overton, Rick Boatman, Sherrilyn Olson, Joy Mulvaney, Craig (Cindy) Boatman, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a time of gathering from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for friends and family at Skinner Funeral Home on Monday, October 16, 2023, followed by a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made in Bob Boatman's honor to your favorite charity. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com