Edward William Booth

Memorial services for Edward William Booth, 96, of Lufkin, will be held Monday, January 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Christ Congregational Church with The Reverend Randall K. Green officiating. Following the service, there will be a reception in the Parish Hall. A private entombment will be held in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park with military honors.

Edward William Booth was born April 1, 1920 into the loving family of Melvinia and Bedford Booth, the first of five boys. In trying to get that girl, the family got four more boys, Tony, Donald, Robert, and John Wayne.

In 1926, Edward started to school in Paris, Texas. His transportation was not his feet but rather a beautiful white horse names Snowball. After graduating from high school, Edward attended Paris Junior College. Shortly thereafter, World War II broke out and he tried to join the Army, only to be turned down, having just had his appendix removed. Then two days later, he was drafted.

He left Paris, Texas, and served at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, where he met and married Judy Pitts. He was then sent overseas to England. From England, he went to Marce’, France, where he was amazed at the difference in the culture of France and the United States.

He and Judy had two children, Susan and Richard Booth. Susan was the first girl in the family and therefore, she was put on a pedestal. Once out of the service, he began working for the Chrysler Corporation. There Ed had found his nitch, becoming president of the Automobile Association, helping to make arrangements for all conventions.

Later, he quit working for Chrysler and opened his own dealership in Paris, Texas, naming it Ed Booth Motors. After three days, he had no customers. Thinking about that, he got smart and changed the name to Bill Booth Motors, where everyone recognized that name and business thrived. When Chrysler told him he had to computerize, he retired and began traveling.

In 1994, he married Carolyn Eubanks, and they made their home in Lufkin, Texas. They lived here for 22 happy years.

Ed lived his life to the fullest. In his own words he said, “I have had a good life, and God has blessed me.”

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Carolyn Booth of Lufkin; daughter and husband, Susan and Mike Akin of Nacogdoches; son and wife, Richard and Megan Booth of Midland; stepdaughter and husband, Ronda and Mark Harris of College Station; brother, John Wayne Booth of Mount Pleasant; sister-in-law, Alvis Conrad of Port Neches; and grandchildren, Ashley Akin, Amy Byrd, Emily Berry, Russell Booth, Justin Booth, and Kaylea Booth. He was also blessed with nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Len Baxter, Nick Sholars, Guy Davis, and David Hammack.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Lufkin, Texas 75902.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors