BOATES, Dr. Thomas Leslie "Tom" – 85 of Arizona, USA, passed away Friday, October 18, 2024, in hospice care in Arizona.  Born in Melvern Square, he was the first-born son of the late Keith and Beatrice (Clark) Boates. At 17 years of age, Tom graduated from Middleton Regional High School and then went to Boston to attend Eastern Nazarene College. Upon graduating from Eastern Nazarene College, he continued his studies at Iowa State University and graduated with his Ph.D. in Chemistry. Thomas became a professor of chemistry and taught at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tom is fondly remembered for his backyard 20-foot high ferris wheel and the rocket he managed to bring home on a commercial flight years ago. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Jeanette "Jan" (Nichol); sons, Lloyd (Jeannie), Germany; Craig (Kris), Arizona; grandchildren, Kim (Tobi), Natalie (Karlee), Madelyn, and Alyson; siblings, Richard (Linda), Nackawic, N.B.; Stanley (Janet), Melvern Square; David (Beverly), Wilmot; Ronald "Ronnie" (Louise), Wilmot; Margaret (Brian) Wagner, Meadowvale; Lawrence (Janet), Nicholsville; Beverly (Robert) Taylor, Willow Grove, N.B.; Nancy (Peter) Taylor, Trenton, ON; many nieces, nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his nephews, Jeffrey and Shawn; nieces, Melissa, Janice, and Lyndsay. In keeping with his passion for education, Tom donated his body to Medical Science and there will be no service at this time. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com