1SG (RET) Gary L. Booth, 76, formerly of Manhattan, KS, passed away on April 7, 2024, in Kansas City, MO.
Cremation has taken place, and a graveside inurnment will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with full military honors.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be designated to Wreaths Across America, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, Manhattan, KS 66503 and Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
He was born on September 12, 1947, Stafford, Kansas to John H. and Mary Marie (Mayfield) Booth, Jr.Gary joined the United States Army June 7, 1967, while serving he received the Army Lapel Button, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon "4", National Defense Service Ribbon, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert (Rifle M-16 & Piston Cal. 45) Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, he retired May 31, 1990. Following his military career, he drove nationally for Schneider Trucking Service, Gary then worked for Civil Service for many years as a Fiber Optics Installer. He was member of the Church of Christ and served as a Deacon and Elder for the congregation. He enjoyed gardening, working in his shop and tinkering with cars. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. Gary married Barbara (Rasler) June 7, 1969; she preceded him in death November 6, 2017. He later married Betty Erickson, August 31, 2019.
Gary is survived by his wife, Betty, of Kansas City MO; his sons, Christopher (Gennifer) Booth of Junction City, KS, Russty (Nikki) Booth of Manhattan, KS, JD (Heather) Beitzinger of Lee Summit, MO; daughter, Michelle Sumpter of Lee Summit, MO; one brother, Bob (Loretta) Mayfield of Bel Aire, KS; five grandchildren, Taylor Booth, Matthew Sumpter, Peyton Sumpter, Ethan Beitzinger and Avery Beitzinger.He was preceded in death by his parents.