William Kenneth Booth, Sr.

William “Bill” Kenneth Booth, Sr. was born into a devout Catholic family on January 11, 1945 at the old St. Joseph Infirmary to Laura Belle Hughes Booth and Joseph Conley Booth. The oldest boy of his family, Bill was a big brother to Joe, Bobby and Jimmy and a little brother to Bunny and Leslie. Attending St. Thomas Moore, Bill had some great stories about the nuns who taught him and that he may have given a “little” trouble to over the years. He later went on to attend Ahrens Trade School where he made a $20 bet that led to him marrying the love of his life. At just 17 years old he wed 15 year old, Patsy Ann Goode and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Dover, Delaware as part of the Strategic Air Command. Bill was a gifted painter who enjoyed restoring old cars. He could fix just about anything, usually using a little “duct” tape to make things “brand new” again. He drove a forklift, worked as a wrecker driver and found himself as a truck driver for a large part of his adult life. Driving for Liquid Transporters, Mr. P. Express and Schneider National Tank Lines all over the country before he retired soon after obtaining his second million mile safe driving award. Bill also enjoyed the time he served his community and had so many great stories of his time as a reserve deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office where he met and fondly remembers so many amazing friends who remain close to him even today. Throughout his service he received several letters of commendation. He especially loved Derby Week and being a part of providing security for all the festivities. Bill also was a Kentucky Colonel. Bill and Patsy went on to welcome 6 beautiful and special children. In the last several years they have enjoyed taking many cruises and meeting dear friends from all over the country. They also enjoyed going to Branson, Myrtle Beach and even to Hawaii. Bill loved his cigars and Jack Daniel’s honey whiskey. Bill’s legacy is his love for life and his family.

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. As Bill drew his last breath in this world he reunited with his precious daughter, Dina Booth Cooper; his beloved grandson, Jesse Steven Booth; his parents, Laura and Conley Booth; his brothers, Joe and Jimmy Booth; his sister, Regina “Bunny” and brother in law, Larry Flaherty; niece, Michelle Orthober; special aunt and uncle, Ada “Auntie” and Stanley McMillen and many other special friends and family who went before him.