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Donald R. Booth 1929-2025

LAKE MILTON — Donald R. Booth, 95, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was raised in Lake Milton by his stepfather, Irv Leroy, who taught him to hunt, fish and work with tools. Living with Irv, who raced boats on the lake in the 1930s, gave Don a love for boating and the water.

In 1946, Don joined the Navy at age 16. In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart and lifelong companion, Marian Patton. They were married for 69 years.

During the early years, Don worked at the Ravenna Arsenal and then, in 1954, he started his own floor-covering business, The Don Booth Company, in the basement of his home. The Don Booth Company grew into a successful and widely respected business, serving the area for 66 years.

Throughout his life, Don participated in community development along with many civic groups, including Kiwanis, Jackson Milton School Board, Canfield Fair Board and the Masonic Organization. He spearheaded the building of the Vietnam Memorial at Jackson-Milton High School, honoring five boys from Jackson-Milton who were killed in action. He contributed with state and local officials in repairing the dam at Lake Milton and he developed a small park at the lake honoring his stepfather, Irv.

Don had a true gift for connecting with people. He could make a friend wherever he found himself. His natural warmth and ease with people made him a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. The same qualities made him a fixture in the community he loved. When asked where he lived, Don would always say, “I live on the beautiful Western Shores of Lake Milton, Ohio.” And whenever he had the chance, he’d be out on the lake, enjoying the day with family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father, William Booth; mother, Sara Gould; stepfather, Irv Leroy; wife, Marian Booth; and grandson, Lee M. Booth.

Don leaves his three children, Charles (Lynn) Booth, Pamela (Tomas) Kubic and Lori Booth; three grandchildren, Jon Erich Booth, Thomas Bennett and Angela Bennett; a great-granddaughter, Arianna Bennett; a brother, Jack Booth; and a sister, Vanna Thatcher.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lee M. Booth Memorial Scholarship, YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502; or Buckeye Hospice Care, 30701 Lorain Road, Ste. C, North Olmsted, OH 44070, in Don’s memory.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Don will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in North Jackson Cemetery.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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