Benjamin Stephen “Ben” Booth, LL.D., D.Min., age 89, of Mentone, passed peacefully on November 21, 2023 surrounded by family and caregivers at his home in Mentone. Rev. Booth is survived by: his wife Susan, of almost 50 years; daughters Susan Anne Booth, Megan (Jay) Finkelstein and Rebecca (Michael) DeVasher; grandsons Zachary, Seth and Taylor Finkelstein and Benjamin and Jack DeVasher; sister Mary Booth McDowell and niece Terri McDowell; brother-in-law John B. (Peggy) St.Clair – “John was like a brother to him,” sister-in-law Michelle (Steven) Franklin and niece Vivian and among his many beloved cuddins (cousins) are Doug (Sue) Evans, Eleanor Layton (Tom) Evans Manus, and Thomas Evans – all who live in or near Concord, Virginia – the birthplace of Ben’s parents.
He was predeceased in death by his parents – Dewey Stephen Booth and Mary Josephine Evans Booth and his Uncle Hunter (Eleanor) Evans.
When Ben’s parents married they moved from Concord, Virginia to Leechburg, Pennsylvania. Ben was a 1952 graduate of Leechburg High School. During his early teen years he pursued the hobby of Amateur Radio. He was first licensed in 1950 and was active as W4CT upon his death. After high school Ben served in the US Army from 1954-1956 – the end of the Korean War. He was a 1960 graduate of Grove City College (B.S. in Chemistry), a 1963 graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (M.Div.), a 1995 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia (D.Min.) and a recipient of an honorary doctorate from West Alabama University in Livingston, Alabama. His interest in aviation began in his childhood. He enjoyed teaching after he earned his CFII – Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, Multi-Engine Rating and finally his ATP – Airline Transport Pilot Certification. He travelled with his work and upon retirement was a flight instructor at the Fort Payne Airport for four years. He logged a total of 6,000 hours.
As a Presbyterian Minister PC(USA) he served pastorates in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia. From 1978-1981 he served as Executive Director of the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands in Wytheville, Virginia and was President of the Presbyterian Home for Children from 1981 until his retirement in 2001. His calling to serve children and youth in need in a residential setting began when he worked as a houseparent at the Ward Home for Children in the 1960’s.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care they received from the nurses and staff from Amedysis Hospice and also from the dedicated and loving caregivers: Mary Blevins, Angela Brown, Marilyn Slaton and Kathy Blalock Wheat.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory in Fort Payne, Alabama will be handling the arrangements.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 300 Grand Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL 35967 on Saturday, December 2, 2023 with visitation in Harrelson (fellowship) Hall from 12:00 – 2:00 PM followed by the Service at 2:00 PM with officiants Rev. Jerry Davis, Rev. Theresa Martin and Rev. Tom Martin and pianist Connie Durham.
