Obituary for Cordell R. Boss
Cordell Raymond Boss, 81, of Scottsbluff, formerly of Orrville, Ohio, passed away peacefully Friday, July 28, 2023, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska. In accordance with Cordell’s wishes, a memorial and interment burial of ashes will take place in Orrville, Ohio at a later date.
Cordell was born March 12, 1942, in Orrville, Ohio, to Raymond and Anna Jane (Miller) Boss. He grew up in Kidron, Ohio and graduated from Dalton High School with the class of 1960. He enlisted with the Ohio National Guard in 1964 and served with the 145th infantry until his honorable discharge in 1970. Cordell was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Myers on September 24, 1966.
The couple made their home in Kidron, Ohio on the Boss family farm where they began their family that would include five children: Cheryl, Todd, Matthew, Kyle, and Erin. Cordell and Barb partnered together in Boss Farms which also included Cordell’s brother Hartley and their parents. This later became Boss Cattle where they raised purebred Angus seedstock in partnership with their youngest son, Kyle. Cordell was passionate about raising and showing competitive cattle at the county, state, and national level. This was something the whole family enjoyed growing up, and a passion that continues with one of his grandsons today. Cordell and Barb led their children on to win Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer at the Ohio State Fair twice (1988 and 1995), Grand Champion Market Steer at the Ohio State Fair three times (1987, 1990, and 1996), Grand Champion Market Steer at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in 1988, Reserve Grand Champion Maine Anjou Bull at the NAILE in 2002, as well as having numerous champion animals at the county fair level. Throughout their 52 years of marriage, Cord and Barb pursued their livelihood of farming and ranching starting in Ohio and would later relocate to Nebraska where they would retire in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 2016.
Cordell was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, as he was recognized as one of the premier softball pitchers in Wayne County and one of the most successful pitchers in Ohio fast pitch softball from 1963-1977. During those years, Cordell was a team member for Orr Parks, Shearer Implements, Kidron Merchants, and Mt. Eaton Quality Block. Cordell pitched multiple no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game, but while playing for the Kidron Merchants, he pitched a no-hitter to win the 1973 Ohio State Championship game. He was also named to the all-time all-star team of the Kidron Merchants. Cordell made many lifelong friendships during his years of softball that he always cherished. He was an active member of the Salem Mennonite Church where he was a board member, and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a fan of everything sports. If he wasn’t outside doing what he loved by working cattle or tending crops, you could find him enjoying watching whatever sports game was on regardless of the sport. Cordell was as loyal as they come, and family always came first. He loved to be outside keeping busy with cattle chores, farming, and gardening. In retirement, he became known for raising some of the best cantaloupe anyone has ever eaten. Even with all of his accomplishments, Cordell would tell everyone and anyone that marrying the love of his life, Barb, was the best thing that ever happened to him. After Barb passed away in 2018, a part of Cordell went with her. He is now whole again in Heaven because Barb is back by his side.
Cordell is survived by his five children, Cheryl Boss (OK), Todd Boss (SD), Matthew Boss (IA), Kyle Boss (NE), and Erin (Chris) Dudden (NE); grandchildren, Makenna (Adam) Farner, Madison (Josh) Falk, and Trevor Boss, Cooper and Parker Dudden; two great grandchildren, Baylor Falk (Madison), Ada Farner (Makenna); siblings, Janet (John) Sprunger, of Kidron, OH and Hartley (Marie) Boss of Orrville, OH; sister-in-law, Diane (John) Kessler of Asheville, NC, and brother in-law Dennis (Gunnhild) Myers of Ft. Myers, FL; as well as fond nieces and nephews and special friends.
Cordell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Jean; parents, Raymond and Anna Jane Boss; in-laws, Edward and Beverly Myers; and other extended family members.
Sympathy cards may be sent to the family at 7947 Road 110, Bayard, NE 69334. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Cordell’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com. or www.gresserfuneralhome@gmail.com.
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