Onva K. Boshears, Jr., passed away in his home on April 28, 2026. He was born in Bloomington, IN on August 31,1939, to Onva K. Boshears and Ruth (Hunter) Boshears. He was the first paternal grandchild and was born on his paternal grandfather’s birthday. Growing up, Onva was called “Jr.” by his family, and many of them refer to him as such to this day.

Onva was the Bloomington High School salutatorian for the Class of 1957. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Greenville College (now Greenville University), a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois, a Master of Religious Education degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Library Science) degree from the Horace H. Barkham School of Graduate Studies at The University of Michigan.   

He began his professional career in library science at Asbury Theological Seminary, then continued at the University of Kentucky, and concluded at the University of Southern Mississippi.

After retiring, Onva lived in several different cities: New Orleans, LA, Lawrence, KS, Little Rock, AR, and Pittsburgh, PA. He made a special effort to learn the history of each of those cities, and he particularly enjoyed living in New Orleans.  

Onva’s faith was steadfast. He loved the church, and as a knowledgeable theologian, he could talk about its history for hours. 

He was an avid reader of many subjects and was especially interested in learning about all religions. He kept up with current events, enjoyed traveling and entertaining, and had an appreciation for music and movies of all genres.

Onva relished lively – and often lengthy – discussions. The concept of “an economy of words” wasn’t always on his radar. And if you happened to interrupt him during a conversation, he always remembered exactly where he’d left off. Nearly every conversation with him resulted in some sort of history lesson for the listener…whether they wanted it or not. That was just one of his many lovable traits.

Family was extremely important to Onva, and even though he lived outside of Indiana most of his life, he rarely missed a family get-together. From the time he was a young teen, he took his responsibility as the oldest sibling very seriously. He did his best to offer guidance whenever needed, and he never wavered in his determination to be a positive role model for his brothers and sisters, particularly when it came to furthering their education. This commitment extended to his nieces and nephews as well as their children.

Onva was a devoted son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle, who will be deeply missed. He is survived by siblings Sharon Davis, Stephen (Billie) Boshears, Ron (Virginia) Boshears, and Rita (Steve) Robertson. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews. 

Onva was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, a great-niece, and two great-nephews. 

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206. Onva’s ashes will be interred in the church’s columbarium. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church (www.calvarypgh.org) or Greenville University (www.greenville.edu).

Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel, Sons, Inc (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

The following tribute was graciously provided by Calvary Episcopal Church:

Onva was raised in the Wesleyan tradition. He was graduated from Greenville College (now University), a Free Methodist school in Greenville, IL with a Bachelors degree. He attended Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY and was awarded a Masters of Divinity, the professional degree for clergy. While there, he discovered the Episcopal Church at Christ Church in Lexington. He later earned his Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, in Library Science.

After brief appointments in various library jobs, he became the Head of the Library Science Department at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS from which he retired in 2001. From 1977 to 1980, Dr. Boshears served as the Director of the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival at the University. At retirement, he was given the title, Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. He established the School of Library Service there and oversaw its accreditation.

Onva was active at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans during his time at Southern Miss. Upon his retirement, he became a valued volunteer chairing the Stewardship Campaign on multiple occasions, serving on the Vestry including time as Junior Warden, and created and led the St. Vincent’s Guild for acolytes there. 

Dr. Boshears was known throughout the city for his entertaining at his house in the French Quarter with three stories and two kitchens. He also found time to be a member of MENSA and the Society of Mary.

Just before Hurricane Katrina, Onva visited Jonathon and Natalie Jensen in Lawrence, KS where the former had become the new Rector. Onva had grown to be good friends with Jonathon and Natalie when Jonathon served as Canon at the Cathedral in New Orleans. He stayed with the Jensen’s in Lawrence for several months and then moved there. 

While in Lawrence, he was the driving force in creating the service of Solemn High Mass that had 75 people in attendance throughout his time there, mostly college students from the nearby University of Kansas.

After Lawrence, Onva followed the Jensens to Little Rock, AR where Jonathon had taken a new position. He later moved again to Pittsburgh when Jonathon was called to be Rector of Calvary in Pittsburgh. While not related by blood, Onva, Jonathon, and Natalie (with whom he shared a birthday) became family.

In Pittsburgh, he started to slow down from hosting parties and initiating new ministries but was a member of Calvary Church and active in the life of Grace Anglican Church on Mt. Washington, a parish he held with great affection. 

Onva could talk to anyone about anything and blessings to the individual who asked about John Wesley, whose reading habit was the subject of his dissertation. He will be missed as a gentleman of impeccable taste, a lover of books, a devoted churchman and Christian, and friend like no other.   

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