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: 03/11/2023
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