More detail on this person: Ben was born and raised in Camp Point, Illinois the second son and
fifth child of 13 children born to William N. and Gladys E. (Davis) Booth. He attended school and
graduated from Maplewood School. After graduation Ben began attending classes at the University of
Illinois. At the onset of the Korean war he enlisted in the U.S. Army along with his brothers Bill
and Chris and began his distinguished military career. During his early years of enlistment and
after returning from Korea, Ben resumed attending college and graduated with a bachelor's degree
from Auburn University and was soon afterword commissioned as an Officer. Continuing his education,
he later earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Southern
California.
Ben rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel prior to his retirement after 26 years of military
service to his country. In addition to his tour of duty in Korea he also served two tours of duty in
Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.
While serving his country in the Army, Ben received the following decorations and awards: Bronze
Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupation
Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation and the Republic of
Vietnam Gallantry Unit Citation.
After his career in the military Ben became involved in real estate by developing properties,
building homes, buying and selling properties eventually joining Century 21 Realtors in Fort Bragg
on the northern coast of California for almost 30 years.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Annette, his older brother William Stephen
Booth, his older sisters Georgia Curry and Ellen Jean Myers as well as his younger sister Charlotte
Brace-Sjadstat and younger brother Herb Booth.
Ben is survived by his wife Barbara, a son Anthony (Joyce) Booth, a grand daughter Rebekah Booth, a
daughter inlaw Tracy (Rick) Swanson, a step-grandson Phillip Swanson, a step-granddaughter Erika
(Eric) Schultz, and a step-great granddaughter Grace Schultz. Also surviving are his younger
brothers Chris Booth, Wil Booth and Jerry Booth, his sisters Joan Booth, Betty Pitts, Polly Jacobs,
and Judi Knight along with 25 nieces and nephews as well as numerous great and great-grand nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Ben was very proud of his Booth family history and was very active and involved along with his
cousin Jeanette Pierce in acquiring and maintaining ancestry and family heritage information.
Per his request, cremation services were performed but no funeral service was conducted in
California. His ashes were returned to Illinois, and a graveside service with Military Honors was
celebrated by family and friends for Ben at Hebron Cemetery in Rural Camp Point, Illinois on March
4, 2017.
Burial: Hebron Cemetery, Golden, Adams County, Illinois, USA
Burial information: Hebron Cemetery, Golden, IL
This information was last updated 03/07/2017
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Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
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