John Howard Boatright

January 29, 1951 – January 23, 2026

John Howard Boatright lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and an unwavering love of aviation. Born on January 29, 1951 in Mineral Wells, Texas. John grew up with a strong sense of purpose and a servant's heart that guided him throughout his life.

On October 2, 1971, John married the love of his life, Sandra Allen. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and deep faith. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra; his son Jeff (Amy); his daughter Kim (Dylan); his cherished grandchildren Rhiley, Haden, Keeley, Marin, Karis, Skyla, Novalee, Kory'Ann, and Luka; and his great-grandson Malcolm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and J.F. Boatright.

He graduated from Lovington High School in 1969, where he was a proud member of the Lovington Wildcats State Football Championship teams of 1968 and 1969 and also a member of the LHS choir. Even in his youth, John's discipline, teamwork, and joy for life were evident.

John's passion for flying began early, earning his Private Pilot's License on January 15, 1968. That passion became a lifelong calling. In September 1970, he joined the Army to pursue the dream of becoming a Warrant Officer and Army Aviator. In March of 1973 he graduated Flight school and his military service began with assignments at Fort Campbell (1972–1974), Korea (1975–1976), and Fort Rucker (1976–1978), followed by instructing at Doss Aviation at Fort Rucker (1978–1981). He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in May 1981, further solidifying his professional foundation in aviation.

After his military service, John continued his aviation career in Monahans, Texas, with Thrasher Trucking (1981–1989), where he served as a pilot, Safety and Personnel Director. In September 1989 the family moved to Lubbock where he began a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector, serving until December 2015. His expertise and reputation for excellence led to his designation as an FAA National Resource Pilot for the R-22, R-44 helicopters and DC-3 aircraft. He hosted many Safety meetings and administered checkrides across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, shaping and mentoring countless pilots.

Among his many honors, John served as Flight Crew pilot for the FAA DC-3 during the 2003 100th Anniversary of Flight celebration. In January 2018, he received the prestigious Master Pilot Award in recognition of 50 years of accident and incident free years of flying. He received numerous additional awards during his FAA career. He also served as a Designated Pilot Examiner from March 2016 through October 2025. He was the corporate pilot for Glasheen, Valles & Inderman from March 2016 to June 2025.

John held every major pilot and instructor certification, including Commercial, Instrument (Rotor and Fixed Wing), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII), and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). (Rotor and Fixed Wing). Flying was more than a profession — it was part of who he was.

Above all, John was a man of profound faith. A member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Lovington, NM, and later Highland Baptist Church since September 1989, his love for God was second to none. His faith guided his decisions, his service, and the way he loved others. He lived with integrity, kindness, and quiet strength, always ready to help, teach, and encourage and always wearing a smile and positive attitude.

John's legacy soars in the skies he loved, in the lives he touched, and in the family and faith he held dear. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held on February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church, 4316 34th Street, Lubbock, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a charitable donation to Honor Flight, P.O. Box 94787, Lubbock, TX 79493-4787, or a charity of your choice in his honor.