11/09/2026
As Veterans Day approaches, we want to honor the local heroes who have proudly served our country.
Through a special partnership with Kansas Kruisers, who raise funds to purchase the banners and work alongside families to select the local veterans to be recognized, and the City of Garden City, KS – Local Government Traffic Department, who generously hang the banners throughout downtown each November, we can transform our downtown into a meaningful tribute to those who have served.
Each banner represents a local hero, a story, and a legacy of service and sacrifice. We are proud to share their stories, recognize their contributions, and ensure the men and women who have served our country are remembered by our community.
Born on April 17, 1925, Louis Boultinghouse grew up near Osborne, Kansas. In 1943, he joined the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Dixie, a destroyer tender operating in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
During his service, Louis witnessed the dangers of war, including Japanese kamikaze aircraft attempting to strike American ships. Even amid the war, Louis found opportunities to demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life.
According to his son, Kevin Boultinghouse, Louis earned extra money by purchasing bunches of bananas and selling them individually to fellow sailors. He also made money ironing their clothes. Louis saved much of what he earned, sent money home, and eventually saved enough to purchase a car when he returned to the United States.
Following the war, Louis married and began building a life for his family. In 1959, the Boultinghouse family moved to Garden City, where Louis purchased several Champlin service stations, including one located across from the historic Windsor Hotel in Downtown Garden City.
Kevin remembers a time when service stations were more personal. Employees checked customers' oil and tires, washed windshields, and built relationships with the people they served. Louis was especially good at connecting with others.
"He was good with people," Kevin recalled, explaining that his father could talk to just about anybody.
Louis eventually entered the plumbing wholesale business, traveling throughout southwest Kansas visiting customers. Some of Kevin's favorite memories came from accompanying his father on those trips. During those drives along Kansas back roads, Kevin, at just 12 or 13 years old, learned to drive.
Louis never lost his passion for working. Even in his early 80s, he started a tree-trimming business, continuing his lifelong habit of staying active and productive.
Although Louis didn't speak extensively about his military experiences while Kevin was growing up, his pride in serving became more apparent later in life. He enjoyed attending Veterans Day celebrations, proudly wearing his Navy uniform, and even participated in an Honor Flight around 2018. Looking back, Kevin wishes he had accompanied his father on that special trip.
Louis passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and community. Today, his veterans banner proudly hangs in Downtown Garden City. Just on the side of the street where he once operated a business and built lasting relationships. "I'm very proud of the fact that they put him up on a banner," Kevin shared.
Louis's story reminds us that our veterans did more than serve their country. They returned home, raised families, built businesses, and helped shape the communities we call home.
Thank you, Louis Boultinghouse, for your service and the lasting legacy you left in Garden City.
