Leonard Booth
Leonard Lane Booth of rural Eureka, died at his home, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the age of 91. He was born June 21, 1931, in Terlton, Oklahoma, the son of Joseph Clarence and Margaret Elizabeth (McKnight) Booth. The family moved to Greenwood County in 1933, where he spent the remainder of his life. In 1956, Leonard was drafted into the United States Army. At age 19, he went to work for George Barnard on a pulling unit in the oilfield. Later he went to work for Wood Oil Co. and worked northeast of town on the lease where he now lives. In 1974, he built his present home and moved to the ranch.
In 1960, Leonard bought his first backhoe and started Booth Ditching. Later his nephew, Darby Downard, joined the business and it became Booth and Downard Construction. He had a continuing natured contract with Bell Telephone. When his son, Dusty moved back to Eureka, he joined the business and is still operating Booth Construction.
In 1953, Leonard was united in marriage to Janet Dee Edwards in Eureka. To this union, four children were born. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1970, Leonard was united in marriage to Jean Marie Caskey, in Eureka. At this time, she became a loving stepmom to his four children.
Leonard was very active in the community serving as South Salem Township Trustee for 40 years. He was a member of the Christian & Congregational Church of Eureka, Masonic Fidelity Lodge #106 of Eureka, Midian Shrine Club, Greenwood County Cattlemen Association, Rural Water District #2 board, when the district was established, Board of Directors of First National Bank of Hamilton, and continued with Citizens National Bank of Gridley, and the Watershed District Board.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jean, of the home; children: Dusty and wife, Joni Booth of Eureka; Rusty and wife, Linda Booth of Eureka; Gaylene and husband, Dan Corbett of Freeland, Washington; and Beth and husband, Brad Asher of Eureka; nine grandchildren: Andy Booth; Alicia Booth; Jessica and husband, Chris Mead; Jacob and wife, Steffanie Booth; Adam and wife, Randi Booth; Derek and wife, Rachel Corbett; Deanna Dodge, Chad Corbett; and Klanci Wiggins; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Maggie Booth; brothers, Embert, Bill, and Raymond Booth; and sisters, Reba Tannahill Matlock, Velvah Downard, Ann Carter, and Margaret Howe.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Christian & Congregational Church in Eureka. Interment followed at Upper Fall River Cemetery. Visitation hours were set from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Christian & Congregational Church or Interim Health Care of El Dorado. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 595, Eureka KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.