Unearthing The Undead 34 - HERBERT BOYER

Badge #: 1113

Herbert Boyer was a K-9 officer that appeared in "Night of the Living Dead".  He can be seen next to what appears to be his Jeep holding his K9, as well as taking his dog out from the Jeep and also in the field around the farmhouse tracking the ghouls.

Herbert was born in Johnstown, PA to Clair Boyer, a stern, hardworking (50 years at Bethlehem Steel), religious father who came of age during the Great Depression, and his wife Catherine Boyer.

By 1940, Clair, Catherine, and their six children moved to Upper Yoder Township, in Cambria County, PA.  While Clair worked in the steel mill, Herbert and his brother sold magazines to help support the family.

Like most men his age, Herbert joined the military to fight in WWII.  He was ranked as a Private First Class in the Marine Corps and served from Feb 26, 1942 to March 8, 1946.

By 1952, Herbert moved to Pittsburgh and married Edna French on April 19.  In 1957, after attending the Police Academy on their own time, he became a police officer.

He was sworn in as a patrolman on March 8th and worked the Hill District.  Unfortunately, a few months later in July, his wife Edna would pass away.

In 1966 Herbert was cited, along with 25 other officers for outstanding duty.

On July 6, 1967, Herbert married Reba Lewis in Winchester, VA.  When she passed away in

1984 in Butler, PA, he moved back to Southmont, a suburb of Johnstown.

Special thanks to the Heinz History Center for their help and information.

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Researched and compiled by John Vullo

Text and photos   Image Ten, Inc.

If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com

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