John H. Booth

Mr. John Harry Booth was born on July 26th, 1922 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Louisa Mitchell Free and James W. Booth Sr. He departed his journey on November 24th with his family by his side. Mr. Booth was educated in the East St. Louis Illinois school system. Mr. Booth stated that he did indeed believe in Christ; that he died and rose again. But, he couldn't remembered if he was baptized, but God knows. Mr. Booth joined the United States Army at the age of 21. April 6, 1943 was his entry date into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on December 28th, 1945. Mr. Booth and his brother James Booth both fought in World War II. His declaration and citation were 4 overseas service bars (European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze battle stars, a good conduct medal and World War II victory medal.

After leaving the service, Mr. booth moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he met his love Willie B. They were married 50 years until her death on April 21, 1999. Mr. and Mrs. Booth adopted Curtis Davis who proceeded in death on September 22nd, 2009. Mr. Booth was employed at Alcoa for over 25 years. After retirement, he had more time to spend with family especially his nieces and nephews. He was a mathematician that loved playing numbers, spades, tunk, bid whist, poker, and most of all Pokeno. Weekend family time was spent playing Pokeno until the early morning. He loved all sports, word puzzles and sudoku. At the age of 10 he had a paper route and would collect bottles to turn in for cash. He remembers when soda was 5 cents and newspaper was 10 cents. He had so many stories to tell that you would fall asleep. He was a wise and knowledgeable man. No one could believe that he was 100 years young. They would ask, what's the secret. His reply would be to not drink, smoke, and eat health. He lived a good, long life. Mr. Booth was proceeded in death by his wife Willie B. Booth, a son Curtis Davis, and his parents Louisa and James Booth Sr., a brother Jimmy Booth along with an unnamed brother and sister.

Mr. Booth is survived by his nieces Carolyn Bradley, Carol Moore, Ouida Shields, Capucine Shields, Nikita Thompson, Tracy Davis, Shirley J. Ward, Bertha Willie B. Johnson and Shalonda Davis; his nephews Terry Shields and Carlos Shields. He had 30 great nieces, 20 nephews, 15 great-great nieces, 10 great-great nephews and 1 great great-great nephew along with a host of other relatives and friends.