William M. Booth II's Obituary
William M. Booth ll, age 87, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, January 6, 2008, at his home under the loving care of his wife, family and Hospice. He was born September 12, 1920, to Morris Fenton and Elsa (Ahlgren) Booth in Terre Haute, Indiana. On March 18, 1944 in New York City he married Ruth Anna Friess. During WW II Bill served his country in the Army’s 104th Timberwolf Division and received the Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, two bronze stars and numerous other decorations and citations.
Bill was a resident of Grand Haven since 1949 and had been self employed as a Professional Engineer with numerous patents to his name. During his career in product design and development, Bill was well known in the Tri-Cities for taking the concept of the Musical Fountain and making it a reality. He served as an active member of the Fountain Committee until he resigned his position last year. Bill was an active and involved member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served in various capacities and received the Bishop’s Service Cross. He was a member of the Muskegon Chapter of the Society of Professional Engineers, the Masonic Lodge, Saladin Temple, the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Legion, and a life member of both the DAV and the NRA. He was also a member of the Optimist Club and the ATO fraternity at Rose Polytechnic Institute (Rose-Hulman). Bill enjoyed target shooting, boating and fishing and was an avid amateur (ham) radio operator involved with starting the first weather spotter service in our area many years ago.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, Bill leaves behind his wife Ruth, daughter Carol Ann (Larry) Edinger and son William M. (Cynthia) Booth III both of Paw Paw. Four grandchildren; Benjamin Booth Edinger of Grand Haven, Jeffrey Booth Edinger, Jennifer Lynne Booth and Christie Marie Booth all of Kalamazoo. One brother, Morris A. (Margaret Ann) Booth of Traverse City and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The funeral service for Mr. Booth will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2008, at St. John’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Henry Idema III, Ph.D. officiating. Friends may visit with the family at a luncheon reception at the church immediately following the service. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorials to St. John’s Episcopal Church or Hospice of North Ottawa Community are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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