Howard Merlin Boos, DC, of Okmulgee, Okla., passed away on March 3. Dr. Boos was a former science instructor at Western Illinois University and a U.S. Navy veteran who enjoyed a 47-year career as a chiropractor. He was the patriarch of a family that has included eight chiropractors, and was one of the first individuals to design and market an ergonomically correct cervical pillow.
Born in 1927, Dr. Boos was raised on a farm in Plymouth, Ill. - a rigorous upbringing that prepared him for military service as a petty officer (3rd class) captain's yeoman. Stationed on the U.S.S. J. Franklin Bell, he served in six major Pacific campaigns during WWII. After leaving military service, he married Marjorie Lee Brown, then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1954. The next year, he opened a practice in Muskogee, Okla., with his brother, Dr. Harold Boos. In later years, he maintained a practice with fellow Palmer alumnus and older brother Darrell, which was still in operation at the time of his death.
Among Dr. Boos' surviving relatives are sons Craig and Howard; grandsons Justin and Ethan; and granddaughters Ashley, Claire and Holly. Preceding him in death are his brother, Darrell; a sister, Irmalea; and parents Merlin and Lena.
