John Wales Booth, left this world unexpectedly at his home in Gladwin, Michigan, on February 27, 2024. Born on July 30, 1957, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Fred and Gertrude (Senecal) Booth, John’s journey through life was marked by a warm generosity and a deep love for his family.
John’s youthful days in Flint laid the foundation for the man he would become and serving in the U. S. Navy. It was there that he learned the value of hard work and commitment, skills he would later apply in his career as a skilled trades metal fabricator with Local 80. His dedication to his craft was only eclipsed by the love he had for his family. On December 15, 1990, John married the love of his life, Susan Marie Dimond, at the First United Methodist Church, Gladwin, Michigan. Their union was blessed with a son, William Sturgeon, who would go on to give John the cherished titles of grandfather and great-grandfather to Wade (Kaitlyn) Sturgeon, Collin Sturgeon, Katherine Sturgeon, Colton Sturgeon, and three great-grandchildren, Kyle, Karly, and Wyatt.
John’s retirement years saw him relocate to the Gladwin area from Columbiaville, a move that allowed him more time to indulge in his passions and to be closer to the natural surroundings he adored. An avid fisherman and hunter, John found peace and contentment in the great outdoors. His happiest moments were often those spent in the quiet company of nature or surrounded by the laughter, playing on the floor and stories of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom he was a beloved patriarch.
His life was a testament to the joy of giving and the strength of kinship. John’s sisters, Rita (Romano) Daza and Cathy Waterous, will remember him as a beacon of love and stability, a brother whose presence was a source of comfort and joy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Bill, Judy, Vonnie, and Diane, with whom he now shares a heavenly reunion.
Described by those who knew him as friendly, generous, and loving, John’s character was the embodiment of kindness. He never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t yet made, and his legacy is one of enduring friendships and a family knit tightly by his boundless affection.
Graveside services are planned for a later date Great Lakes National Cemetery.
