Boswell leaves legacy in Bryant
At the age of 88, Bryant attorney and longtime supporter of the community Ted Boswell passed away March 28.
He was a small-town lawyer who boasted friendships with Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Justice Antonin Sacalia and Justice William Brennan.
“He was a brilliant attorney with a legal mind,” said family friend Shane Broadway.
Boswell practiced law at Boswell Law Firm in Bryant for 62 years.
Broadway said Boswell could have had his firm anywhere in the world because he was so good, but chose to practice in Bryant.
Broadway added he never forgot where he came from.
He has been profiled in Best Lawyers in America since the beginning of the publication in 1983 and he served as a faculty member with the Center for International Legal Studies. He was honored by both local and national bar and trial lawyer associations.
Boswell was a member of
Bryant’s first football team and remained friends with his teammates.
Broadway said Boswell used his abilities and resources to help his community.
He enjoyed history and wanted to grow downtown Bryant.
In 1968, Boswell and his wife Joyce donated the land for the Saline County Library branch in Bryant. Later, they donated land to expand it and land for where the library currently sits. It is named for his mother, Mabel Boswell.
“The Saline County Library, staff and patrons are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ted Boswell,” the Library said in a statement. “Mr. Boswell was a tremendous supporter of our community and a valuable player in helping our library expand to what
it is today.”
Because of his generosity and support, the library was able to build a better facility to meet the needs of so many families in our area. We are truly grateful for all the encouragement the Boswell family and Ted have contributed to our community. He will be greatly missed. The Boswell family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Broadway said he loved to sit and talk with Boswell, especially about history and law.
“You were always going to walk out having learned something,” Broadway said.
Broadway added the entire Boswell family is special and does not forget where they came from.
Boswell was a US Marine and served during the Korean conflict.
He was appointed by the Arkansas speaker of the House to serve on the Arkansas Constitutional Revision Study Commission.
He ran for governor and U.S. Senate.
He was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joyce Boswell; his son,
Britt (Amanda), son, Kyle (Jon); and daughter, Blair Tompkins (Lee); his grandchildren, Logan Milks, Caroline Kennedy (Connor), Emma Tompkins, Camille Boswell, Madelyn Creamer, Marley Boswell and Jackson Tompkins; and his only great-grandchild, Whitfield Kennedy. Also survived by a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a memorial donation to Bryant United Methodist Church Prayer Garden, Arkansas Audubon or Nature Conservancy Arkansas.
Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 spread, a memorial service will be held at a later date. All those who wish to share stories, memories and remembrances are encouraged to send in emails to rememberted21@ gmail.com.
“He will be missed,” Broadway said. “It is hard to think of Bryant without Ted Boswell. His legacy will always be an impact on our community.”