Richard Lewis Boatwright was born December 14, 1943 in Bakersfield California to Ruby Ellen (Force) and Amos Marion Boatwright. He served in the US Army and stationed in Fort Bliss Texas where he met his beautiful bride Susan (Jimenez) swept her off her feet; spent their honeymoon driving to Kern County. They started their family while he was a tractor mechanic employed with South Kern Machinery, West Kern Machinery, Lawrence Tractor Service and then operated his own business (RLB Tractor Service); he was last employed with Handle & Wilson Farms where he retired after 25 years of service. Richard enjoyed creating the designs Susan would put together to create their current dream home; there wasn't anything that was out of reach for him, he tinkered and built with a smile on his face . His noted smile was thru his big blue eyes that God blessed him with. He took time to restore antique machinery for the Shafter Museum; he and Susan looked forward to making an annual Christmas meal for the 7th Standard Pentecostal Church of God's Widows. He had a green thumb that could grow plants from cuttings. Richard was a humble and kind man that let his light shine to the Glory of God. He was loved by all of his family and liked by many who knew him. Richard Lewis Boatwright was preceded in death by his parents; son Mark (2003) and survived by his loving wife Susan of 45 years; daughters Nancy L. Russo (Michael), Sheila M. Christolear (Dawayne), Christine D. Ramay (Arron); sister Ruth E. Benton (Gerald); 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren a large extended family and many friends and acquaintances that will miss him dearly. A 10 am Funeral Services will be held for Richard Lewis Boatwright, age 67, of Shafter who passed away April 1, 2011 at Mennonite Brethren Church of Shafter on April 6, 2011 with interment at Shafter Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Peters Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 5 to 8pm.