Thomas J. Booth Jr.

Thomas J. Booth age 92 of Colchester, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Heartland Health Care Center in Macomb. He was born March 4, 1927 in Colchester, to Thomas and Anna Stewart Booth.

Surviving to mourn his passing is 2 Sisters: Betty Haines, Jefferson City, Missouri, Bonnie Laird, Macomb, along with several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, 2 Brothers: Abbie Booth, Bill Booth, 1 Sister: Elizabeth Biswell and 1 Brother In Law: Bob Laird.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army, during World War II. He was a 1955 Graduate of Western Illinois University, where he got his teaching degree in Industrial Arts. He taught in Chicago and for many years at Peoria Manual in Peoria. Tom then became very active in politics. He became good friends with President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. Through the Reagan Presidency, Tom served as head of President Reagan’s advance team. He also worked for the Nixon White House and became friends with President Nixon. In Tom’s later years he worked to set up the Lincoln Day Luncheon and events in Springfield, and he also managed Lincoln’s Home. With all of Tom’s connections he was able to assemble a vast collection of artifacts. On April 22, 2009, Tom was presented Tom Booth Day in the city of Macomb. He donated his extensive collection of political memorabilia to WIU, which was then turned into and exhibit/museum in Morgan Hall. Tom retired from Administration at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He loved the time he spent in Washington D.C. and Springfield. He loved to travel and was a avid Chicago Cub fan. Most of all he loved visiting with his family and friends.

Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester with Rev. Dean Reeverts. Military Rites will be held at the grave by the Macomb V.F.W. and Macomb American Legion. Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester after 9:00 A.M. Wednesday January 1, 2020. Memorial is to The Honor Flight. Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com

Friends may View and sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Wednesday to 5:00 P.M. Wednesday

11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 2, 2019, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery

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