Eric "Boone" Richard Oyen

Eric "Boone" Oyen, age 52, of Colton, died on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, after suffering a heart attack while doing what he loved...taking care of the cows on the farm. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at First Lutheran Church, Colton. Visitation with the family present will be from 4-7:00 PM Monday, at the church. The service will be live streamed on Boone's obituary page at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com . Masks are strongly encouraged at the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the family to be used for future improvements at the Colton ball fields.

Eric Richard Oyen was born on October 16, 1968 in Dell Rapids to Rick and Cindy (Egan) Oyen and grew up on the family farm. He attended Tri-Valley School where he participated in football, basketball, and track. He was a Mr. Basketball Finalist, SD High School Football Elite 45, member of the South Dakota Football and Basketball All Star Teams, and 1 ^st Team All-State Football. After graduating from high school in 1987, Boone attended Sioux Falls College where he also played football and basketball.

In 1992, after college, Boone returned to the family diary farm where he farmed with his family. He had a passion for sports all his life and continued to enjoy playing softball and basketball and coaching junior football. Jubilee Days in Colton was always the highlight of the summer for Boone. He loved playing in the softball tournament and having a good time with family and friends. Boone treated his nieces and nephews like they were his own children. He always attended their sporting events and helped them with their 4-H projects.

Survivors include his parents, Rick and Cindy Oyen, Colton; siblings: Brad (Jessica) Oyen, Colton, Jason (Krista) Oyen, Colton, and Amy (John) Lofswold, Crooks; nieces & nephews: Paige, Braden, Ty, Brandon, Elissa, Logan, Cole, Ella, Luke, Cody, and Jacey; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.