HAMILTON — An Oxford man said picking one fond memory of his dad, Carl “Boomer” Boomershine, would be like “trying to pick a tree out of a forest.”

Boomershine, of Hamilton, passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. He was a member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department and the Butler County Civil Defense Team. He worked at the old Sohio gas station many years ago and then for health reasons, took a job as a caretaker at Miami University, where he was a big favorite of the football team. His son, Gary Boomershine, said the players used to stop by his home for a visit often.

“He was very well known by everyone in town,” he said. “He was always a real happy guy, real popular.”

Gary Boomershine said his dad loved the fire department best of all and he has fond memories of annual summer vacations to Gatlinburg, Tenn. He said there were so many fond memories of his dad he couldn’t just pick one, but there were plenty of bad times his dad made better, and good times.

Gary Boomershine’s brother, David Boomershine, and his wife, Bonnie Boomershine, live in Middletown.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Baker Chapel, in College Corner. The funeral service will follow.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.