Booker Person Jr.

``An Officer & A Gentleman"

Booker Person, Jr.

Booker Person, Jr. was the first born to Booker Will and Ida Bell Person on December 25, 1924 in Birmingham, Alabama. He departed this life on November 21, 2008.

At the age of six, the family relocated to Akron, Ohio. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Norman James, Sr. at Israelite Baptist Church. He joined Greater Bethel Baptist Church in 1953 and remained a member until his death.

Mr. Person attended Akron Public Schools and graduated rom Akron South High School. He was an all city athlete and was a member of the track and wrestling teams. He was later drafted into the United States Army and fought in World War II and the Korean War. During his service, he received numerous medals of Honor. After serving 5 years, 2 months and 10 days, he received an honorable discharge in 1951. He was employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company as a machine operator for 35 years.

Mr. Person, affectionately known as "PaPa", was a hard worker and a very disciplined man. He loved to travel and enjoyed life to the fullest. His hobbies were washing his cars, watching movies and cooking bar-b-que faithfully every holiday. He kept abreast of all current events and was elated that God allowed him to witness the historical moment when Barack Obama became the first African American President-elect.

Mr. Person met the love of his life, Myrtle, in 1951 and they were united in holy matrimony on March 8, 1962. To this union seven children were born. They enjoyed wonderful vacations and milestones together. You rarely saw one of them without the other. He loved his family!

"PaPa" leaves to cherish his memory, a loving, devoted wife, Myrtle; two sons, Larry of Akron, Ohio, Rev. Booker (Vickie) of Olympia Fields, Ill., five daughters, Diane Washington, Lottie Person, Rose Person, Gail (Ray) Williams, Mearlin (Johnny) Gladman, all of Akron, Ohio. He also leaves 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lilly Bell Hawkins of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Homegoing services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Greater Bethel Baptist Church, 404 S. Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306, Rev. Melford Elliott, Pastor, Rev. Mark A. Ward officiating and Dr. Booker J. Person eulogizing. Friends may visit at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service. Procession will form at 1142 Nordica Ave., Akron, OH 44314 and condolences may be sent to 1321 Brownstone St., Akron, OH 44310.