Cecil E. "Buddy" Boswell, 84, passed away on October 31, 2026, at his residence in Provencal, Louisiana. Born on October 10, 1942, Cecil lived a life of faith, service, hard work, and devotion to his family and community.

Cecil was an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church and spent many years serving others through his pastoral work. He pastored Florien United Pentecostal Church, Pleasant Hill United Pentecostal Church, and Provencal Free Methodist. His ministry was an important part of his life, and he gave of himself faithfully to the churches and communities he served.

Along with his work in ministry, Cecil built a full and varied career. He was the owner and operator of Boswell Sawmill, Boswell Trucking, and Boswell General Store. He also devoted himself to education. He taught at Robeline High School, Provencal High School, and Provencal Christian Academy, where he also served as principal. He furthered his own education by earning a Master’s Degree in School Counseling.

Cecil also served the public in meaningful ways. He was Mayor of Provencal and was involved with the Natchitoches Detention Center work release program. In every role he held, he worked to help others and to strengthen the community around him.

Above all, Cecil will be remembered as a devoted family man. He shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janice Ann Boswell. He is also survived by his sons, Cecil Boswell and his wife Terri of Pacific, Missouri, and Rodney Boswell and his wife Lori of Provencal, Louisiana. He leaves behind his sisters, Debbie Boswell of Provencal and Sherry Woodel and her husband Garland of Provencal.

Cecil’s memory will also be cherished by his grandchildren, Hannah Chanler and her husband Stephen, Haleigh Boswell and her husband Marcus, Charity Alvarez and her husband Alex, Avri Rachal, and Cason Rachal. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Liam and Lynox Chanler, and Mia, Stella, Selah, and Sunni Davis. His family was a lasting source of joy in his life, and his love for them will remain with them always.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Elvis Boswell; his mother, Emily Juanita Dale Boswell; and his brothers, Terry C. Boswell and Tommy E. Boswell.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Provencal United Pentecostal Church Gymnasium, 1851 LA-117, Provencal, Louisiana 71468. The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Provencal United Pentecostal Church Gymnasium. Burial will follow at Provencal Cemetery, Winn Street, Provencal, Louisiana 71468 under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Jeremy Yopp, Larry “Man” Lindsey, Marcus Rhodes, Donald Holman, J.L. Dees, Jeff Woodel, Brad Woodel, and Chris Jennings.

Cecil E. Boswell leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, work, and love for his family and hometown. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Provencal Christian Academy, 1851 LA-117, Provencal, Louisiana 71468.