Howard Booton, Jr.

December 1, 1942 — February 21, 2014

Marion-Howard Booton, Jr., 71, of Marion IL, passed away at home on February 21, 2014, comforted by members of his family. Howard had been diagnosed with cancer last April, however succumbed to an existing heart condition. Howard was born in San Antonio, TX on December 1, 1942. He spent his early years living in Creal Springs, IL, Mount Pleasant, IA and Kansas City, MO. He enlisted in the service in 1961 and spent the 5 years in the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and eventually began a career as a boilermaker. After years of working as a welder, he changed careers, and Howard became known as one of the very best roofers in the business. Howard also became a very skilled, self-taught carpenter and worked as a home improvement contractor for the last 30 years of his life. He took great pride in the quality of his work and liked the sense of accomplishment from a job well done. Howard loved the St. Louis Cardinals and could name players and statistics that went back decades. He loved to read and spent hours every day immersed in books. Howard liked to be needed and especially liked to help family and friends with home improvement projects. During the last 15 years, he made countless trips to Missouri to help his son restore two historic homes. Howard couldn’t stand liars, “phonies”, and those who grossly overexaggerated. He had lost almost all faith in politicians. He never understood anyone’s desire to take a cruise (averting pirates, food poisoning and ship wrecks was not his idea of a vacation). He wasn’t a big talker and never complained much. While his early life had been filled with several tragic events and disappointments, he didn’t hold grudges nor was he bitter. During the latter half of his life, he was known for taking great care of his family. He adored his grandchildren and especially took pride in taking his youngest to and from school each day for the past four years. He also instinctively knew the remedy for a teenage granddaughter’s heartbreak was always a daylong shopping trip with PawPaw. Howard wasn’t a quitter. He didn’t give up on projects and most importantly; he didn’t give up on people. He showed unconditional love to his family and those around him. His family shared the sentiment that “No matter what--you couldn’t screw up enough for him to give up on you”. Howard believed in “second chances”…and even third, fourth, fifth, etc. For these reasons, he earned great respect from those he encountered. Howard is survived by his wife Dorothy “Dottie” Booton of 29 years. He is also survived by one son from previous marriage, Brian Booton (George) of Rocheport, MO. He also leaves behind Dottie’s three children and nine grandchildren whom Howard loved very much and counted as his own: Barbra Meadows (Tim) of Marion, IL, (children: Victoria, Austin, Dallas, Kyle, and London); Scott Essary (Jodi) of Marion, IL (children: Brandon, Andrea, Skylar, and Dylan) and Eric Phillips of Chester, IL. He is survived by one brother Wayne Booton (Francoise) of Creal Springs, IL (children: Jack, Jonette, Daniel, Bruce, and Kathy). His father, Howard Booton resides in Prairie Grove, AR. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Slaughter Booton. He is also preceded and survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and relatives too numerous to mention, but not forgotten. Special thanks to the healthcare professionals of the Veterans Hospitals of Marion, IL and Columbia, MO for their care and support. Howard was especially grateful for the care he received from Dr. George Kao of Marion, IL. Also thanks to Blue Funeral Home for assisting family with the arrangements. Howard requested to be cremated and further requested that no formal funeral services were to be held. His ashes were buried at Mound National Cemetery in Mound City, IL via a private ceremony with family. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, March 29^th at Giant City Lodge in Makanda, IL. The service will begin at 11 am.

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Howard Booton, Jr.

December 1, 1942 — February 21, 2014

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