Roger M. Booker, a lifelong resident of Riverton, died at Grape Community Hospital on May 10 of cancer.
He was raised by his grandfather Chance Parkison, who taught him his valuable carpentry trade. Roger worked all of his life as a carpenter and cabinet maker and was well known for his knowledge and skills. He was employed by Don Ricketts, Ray Walter and spent most of his employment with Lowell Sherwood of Sherwood Lumber.
He was civic-minded and served several terms on the Riverton City Council and several years as a member of the Riverton Fire Department. He was on the Board of Trustees of the Riverton United Methodist Church, on the Fremont County Eminent Domain committee, co-chair for the Fremont County Sesquicentennial, on the Riverton Cemetery Board, a member of Company E 168th Infantry Division and one of the driving forces for the Avenue of Flags posted each Memorial Day at Riverton’s Cemetery to honor veterans. He volunteered for the renovation of the Fox Shoe Store into a city hall and senior citizen center, the roofing of the Chautauqua Park, all of the improvements made to the Riverton United Methodist Church which most recently included new siding, and remodeling the concession area now known as the R & R room at the Colonial Theater in Hamburg.
He was known as the historian for Riverton. Last summer he was featured in a documentary about life in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
He enjoyed visiting with friends, gardening and in his later years going fishing, driving his convertible in parades, tinkering with his tractors getting the chance to go skydiving and taking the Border Raiders Bike Club on a hay ride to the Chautauqua Park.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty; daughter Sandy, son Doug and wife Angel, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, several foster-care children and many friends.
He was preceded by his grandfather Chance Parkison, grandmother Eva Parkison, grandson Justin Booker, mother-in-law Helen Stacey, brother-in-law Howard (Sonny) Girouex, sisters-in-law Alice Apperson and Donna Mortimore, and nephew David Girouex.
Graveside funeral services were held May 13 at the Riverton Cemetery with Curt Crain officiating. Burial followed in the Riverton Cemetery. Complete military honors were conducted by the Hamburg American Legion Post.
Memorials are suggested to the Riverton United Methodist Church, Riverton Avenue of Flags or the CAM Middle School Outdoor Classroom.
Shull-Gude Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
To leave a condolence, visit www.gudefuneralhomes.com.
