Michael Dugger Boys, 90, entered into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth. Michael, here in after called Mike, was born on April 2, 1936, to Alfred Riddick and Mina Lutz (Dugger) Boys (both deceased) and raised in Plymouth, Marshall County, Indiana. Mike was raised in a Christian and newspaper household. He had one younger sister Mary Patricia (John) Scheetz, who proceeded him in death on December 19, 2024.
On July 28, 1957, Mike married Joanne Marjorie Rigal of Liberty Center, Ohio. They had been married for 64 wonderful years. Joanne preceded him in death on December 3, 2021. Together they had five children: David Michael (Annette), Rev. Dr. Samuel Alfred (Tammy), Angela Marie (Gene) Mills, Benjamin Rigal, preceded Mike in death on June 26, 2024, and Thomas Daniel (Julie). He had 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Also, several nieces and nephews.
In 1904 Mike’s Grandfather, Samuel Evan Boys, moved to Plymouth with his family after he bought a newspaper called The Plymouth Chronicle then later founded The Pilot Company Inc. which published what is now called The Pilot-News. Mike’s early years at The Pilot-News began as a newspaper carrier, he then worked in the mail room, print shop, composing department, circulation, advertising department where he earned several advertising awards. While working in the news department he became the chief photographer, and finally management. He worked at the Pilot-News for more than 40 years.
While a part owner of The Pilot-News, Mike served on the board of directors of Hoosier State Press Association and was secretary, treasurer, vice president then president of the Indiana Republican Editorial Association. Served on board of directors of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, was an original board member of the Marshall County Blueberry Festival and served 42 years and the Blueberry Festival Committee named him Grand Marshal of the Blueberry Parade in 2017. Mike served on the building corporation of “Swim ‘n Sun, Inc.” a committee that raised funds to build Plymouth’s Municipal Swimming Pool at Centennial Park.
Served on Plymouth School Building Corporation for Phase 2 of Plymouth High School; Stockholder (11 shares) of Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation (PIDCO). Was charter member and charter treasurer, vice-president and president of the Plymouth Jaycees and was named a JCI Senator #9948 a lifetime Jaycee personal award. Mike was named Outstanding Young Man of America. Past president of the Marshall County Horse Association. Member of Plymouth Arts Commission. Was appointed by John Pasley, Commander of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, to be chairman of the committee to bring a replica of the Vietnam Wall to Plymouth. Mike served in the U.S. Army then National Guard for a total of six years’ service. Honorably discharged as a Sergeant E-5. Mike was a section leader for the 81mm mortars and was instructor for the 106mm recoilless rifle which was an anti-tank weapon which is now obsolete. Original member of the Marshall County R.E.M.C Round Up Board.
Following the death of his father Alfred Riddick Boys at age 50 and then his grandfather at age 95 the company had to make some changes in administration. Mike’s aunt Eleanor Boys Blank, became president, his other aunt Edith Boys Enos (both now deceased) became vice-president, and Mike became secretary-treasurer of The Pilot Company Inc.
Mike was honored and was given the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Otis R. Bowen, MD, and a Key to The City of Plymouth, by Mayor Mark Senter. Mike was also given Plymouth High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award and inducted into the PHS Hall of Fame by the Plymouth High School’s Alumni Association. He was a member of the Plymouth Lincoln High School class of 1954. These honors are the highest award that a governor and a mayor and the alumni association can give a private citizen.
The newspaper business had been in Mike’s family for over 73 years. “I guess that I have printer’s ink in my veins as I come by it naturally for the Pilot News has been owned by the Boys family longer than any other owner at this time” Mike was quoted as saying. While serving as an officer in The Pilot Company Mike and his aunts bought The Bremen Enquirer and then later the Nappanee Advance News, both weekly newspapers. They also donated ground adjacent to the Pilot-News building on Center Street to the Plymouth Public Library so they could expand their facilities.
The officers of The Pilot Company Inc. sold its papers to Park Newspaper Group in 1977. Mike then worked for the Park Newspaper group for 7 years and resigned in 1984 as he did not like the direction in which that newspaper group was going. A complete opposition to what his family established for the paper.
Mike then sold janitorial supplies for Kay Equipment for a few years, worked for the Marshall County Life newspaper/shopper then in 1993 threw his hat in the Marshall County political ring and was fortunate to be elected as Marshall County Assessor where he served three terms (12 years). While serving as County Assessor Mike served as president of the Northwest District Assessors (16 counties) for nine years, vice president of the Indiana Assessors Association for two years, was named by the Indiana County Assessors Association Indiana Assessor of the Year in 2005. Was also named outstanding Assessor of Indiana by the Association of Indiana Counties that same year. Mike retired as Marshall County Assessor in 2006 after having a heart attack and open-heart surgery.
Mike started writing a column in 2008 for The Pilot News called “My View from The Pilot House” and since that time published two books of his best columns. The books are titled “My View from The Pilot House” and “My View from The Pilot House - - Book II.”
Being exposed to the newspaper business for most of his life under the leadership of his grandfather and father, He learned that this newspaper is like the Pilot of the ship guiding its community and is “a paper for the people.” The newspaper must cover the news in an unbiased way. The newspaper must promote its community and worthwhile events that happen for the people. Mike has always done this. His father, Alfred, told him one time “Mike, when you are in business remember to always, always make a slow nickel - never make a fast quarter.” He remembered his advice and has been successful by treating people with honesty, respect, and integrity.
Mike was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and sang in the Chancel Choir for over 50 years. Mike was the last of the Boys family that owned and published The Pilot-News. Mike loved his family and friends.
IN CONCLUSION
“My time is up here on Mother earth. I now stand in front of the Creator (God) and say “O, Great Spirit, (Our Father in Heaven) I stand before you without a single bit of talent left - - as I used all that you gave me while I visited Mother Earth. For this I give you thanks. My hope is that maybe I was able to help someone along the way on your behalf. O Great Spirit (God), I also want to thank you for my fantastic family and friends and the wonderful time that you gave me while I visited Mother Earth.” May God Bless you all. Amen.
Visitation will be held from 10AM-1PM at the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Memorial services will be held immediately following at 1PM with Pastor Lauren Hall officiating.
Mike will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Oakhill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Mike’s honor can be made to First United Methodist Church 400 N. Michigan St. Plymouth, Indiana the St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Institute Plymouth campus and the Cancer Society.
