Arnold Booth 1920-2009

BOOTH, TOMFORD, BILBREY, BLAIR

Posted By: Sharon K Hesebeck (email)
Date: 4/29/2025 at 15:50:35

Arnold Booth passed away at his Fair Oaks Ranch home after a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease on July 9, 2009 in the presence of family who loved him.

He was born in Spencer, IA on May 30, 1920 to Marcus Frank and Myrtle Mae Booth.
On July 10, 1942 he married Wylma Cleo Tomford and five years later they had their only child. Shortly afterwards Wylma was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. For the next 35 years Arnold remained a dedicated, caring and loving husband. He never thought twice about what caring for Wylma required of him. He worked his job, raised their daughter and cared for his wife. He took his vow in sickness and in health to the end. Wylma preceded him in death on February 8, 1990.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Robert Keith and Jimmy Ray) and his son-in-law Dr. Gordon Lee Bilbrey.

Arnold served in Europe as a First Sgt. with the U.S. Army during WWII where he received numerous medals including the Bronze Star. He worked for Hansons clothing store after his discharge and later in the purchasing department for Spencer Foods.

As a member of the First Congregational Church in Spencer, Arnold served as Moderator. He also served as the commander of the Spencer American Legion. He retired to San Antonio, TX in 1980. He is survived by his daughter Pamela Sue Bilbrey and Joseph Michael Connolly of Fair Oaks Ranch, his granddaughter Jennifer Dawn Bilbrey of Austin, brother Donald Wayne Booth of Bandera, TX and his sister Beverly Jean Blair of Orange Beach, OR.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and he loved working with his hands in his wood shopwhich he continued to do despite his illness until May of this year. He presented his works as gifts to the special people in his life.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home in Boerne, TX. Warner Funeral Home will handle the graveside service in Spencer, IA where he will be returned to lie in peace next to his one true love, Wylma.

Arrangements are with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home, Boerne, TX.
Spencer Daily Reporter, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa, Tuesday, July 14, 2009