City to dedicate park space in honor of former council members Steve Boshers, Ken Wiles

Columbia City Council voted this month to dedicate portions of two city parks to former council members and public servants Steve Boshers and Ken Wiles.

The proposals were brought before the council last week, in which members voted on two resolutions. One was to dedicate the soccer complex building at Ridley Park in Boshers' honor, and the other to dedicate a playground and pavilion off Wheeler Drive at Woodland Park for Wiles.

Both resolutions passed unanimously.

More: Local opinion: Steve Boshers was a gentle giant, voice for good in Columbia

Prior to Thursday's vote, council members shared memories of their former colleagues, while also paying tribute to Boshers and Wiles' families, who were in attendance.

"It's a profound honor for me and for all of this council to be part of an organization that gets to make known and sketched in history his name forever in our community and the work Steve Boshers did," Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. "He was a giant of a man and was such a good man, and we will remember as those who served with him. But now, more importantly, the community as a whole and at large will honor Steve Boshers."

Boshers, a Columbia native, passed away on July 31, 2019. In addition to his service on council serving the second ward, Boshers was also a Maury County constable, a reserve deputy for the Maury County Sheriff's Department, a pastor and territorial manager of O'Reilly Auto Parts for many years. As an avid sports fan, Boshers also served as president of the local Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball League and was a little league coach.

Molder added that having Boshers' family present during the vote is a "snapshot of his continuing legacy to the community."

"One of his biggest legacies was his family, who continues to give back to this community to this very day," Molder said. "For that, we are proud."

More: Ken Wiles Ward 2 Councilman remembered a 'Godly man,' respected leader

Wiles first came aboard the council in 2019, taking Boshers' former seat overseeing the second ward, and later securing reelection in 2020. He later passed away, also on July 31, in 2022. His surviving wife, Debbie Wiles currently presides in the position.

"When I think of Steve Boshers and I think of Ken Wiles, I think of a good man, no matter what, where or when," Molder said. "It was an honor to serve with Ken, and equally an honor to now serve with Debbie."

In addition to his service on council, Wiles also served on the city's planning commission. He was also an avid musician and would often be seen playing guitar on the square during First Fridays.

"I served with Ken on planning commission, and we always had a great time, always respected him and it was a joy to be with him," Vice Mayor Randy McBroom said. "He was always at First Fridays down at Puckett's playing. He always had joy in his heart, and he lived that way every day."

Wiles' son Brent Wiles later commented thanking the council for this dedication.

"Thank you all, though I think my dad would probably be a little embarrassed by all this attention given to him," Wiles joked. "But we all appreciate it."

Debbie Wiles added that Boshers was actually a former student of her late husband at Highland Park Elementary School, which adds to the sentiment and legacy of both their lives.

A date for a public dedication has yet to be set for the two former council members.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: City dedicates park space honoring former council members Boshers, Wiles