Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joshua Booth Obituary
Second Lt. Booth was born May 20, 1983, in Virginia Beach, VA, son of John Edwin "Jack" Booth and Debra Lynne Guell Booth of Sturbridge, MA. He was a 2001 graduate of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, MA where he was on the soccer, football, wrestling and track teams. In 2005, he graduated from The Citadel Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, SC where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice and was a high-scoring member of the pistol team. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps in May of 2005. He then attended TBS, followed by Infantry Officer School in Quantico, VA and was subsequently stationed at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was Third platoon leader in Echo Company, Second Battalion, Third Marine Regiment, that was deployed to the Al AnBar Province in September of 2006.
In addition to his wife, children and parents, Second Lt. Booth is survived by his sister, Melissa Long DeVera and her husband, Michael of Fredericksburg, VA; grandparents, Loren James Hanson Guell of Independence, OH and the late Betty Rogers Guell, James Edwin "Ed" Booth of Virginia Beach and Bedford, VA and the late Peggy Gentry Booth, and uncles and aunts, William Fitzpatrick "Rick" Booth, Col. USMC (Retired) and his wife, Karen of Fredericksburg, VA, Blackburn Jordan Booth and his wife, Linda of Virginia Beach, Robert Blackburn Booth of Greensboro, NC, David Hanson Guell of St. Cloud, FL and Amelia Grace Guell of Independence, OH; nieces and nephews, Nicholas Kyle, Noelle Debra, and Isabella Lauren DeVera all of Fredericksburg, VA and cousins, Second Lt. William Fitzpatrick Booth, Jr., USAF and Thomas Paul Booth of Fredericksburg, VA and Edwin Stuart Booth of Norfolk, VA.
A celebration of Second Lt. Booth's life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2006, at Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford, Virginia. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, 320 North Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 540-586-3443. Condolences should be sent to Tharp Funeral Home or please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
There will also be a service held to honor Second Lt. Booth in Sturbridge, Massachusetts at a date to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Booth
Roman Carlisle
April 28, 2025
Booth family,
While I never met Josh, he has nonetheless had a profound impact on my life. I was born the month Josh commissioned into the Marine Corps. I grew up in Sturbridge, Mass. and attended Burgess Elementary School. Throughout my time there, both the plaque in the foyer remembering Josh's life and the tribute paid to him at each annual Memorial Day assembly resonated deeply. To me, Josh served as a shining example of courage, honor, and duty. His devotion to this country, and the ultimate sacrifice he paid on its behalf, was and continues to be awe-inspiring. Josh's story played no small part in my abiding desire to serve in the U.S. military, a journey which I will be embarking on shortly.
I simply wanted to let you know that Josh's memory is alive and well, and that his story will continue to inspire generations to come.
Best regards, R. Carlisle
Andrew Pollard
April 15, 2025
Just a heads up, Josh all these years later you're not forgotten. Won't be in my lifetime. But, you already knew that didn't you.
Deb, I hope you and Josh's fam are doing alright.
Andrew Pollard
Josh and Grandma Booth
January 9, 2019
Josh - Nags Head
January 9, 2019
Josh, Melissa and Nicholas
January 9, 2019
Josh and Melissa - the Peaks
January 9, 2019
Josh - Age 4
January 9, 2019
Josh - Christmas Tree Farm, VA Beach
January 9, 2019
Josh and Baby Grace
January 9, 2019
Josh and Proud Parents - St. Johns Graduation
January 9, 2019
Josh and Jack
January 9, 2019
Josh and Dolly Arch
January 9, 2019
Josh and Jeremy First Salute
January 9, 2019
Josh and Nick - Nags Head
January 9, 2019
Josh - 4th Birthday
January 9, 2019
Josh - Sledding at the Peaks
January 9, 2019
Josh and Grace Hawaii
January 9, 2019
Josh and Roxy
January 9, 2019
Josh and Melissa
January 9, 2019
Josh and Paw Paw
January 9, 2019
Josh and Grace, Hawaii
January 9, 2019
Josh, Jack and the Bedford Gang
January 9, 2019
Josh and Nick
January 9, 2019
Josh and his Mom
January 9, 2019
Josh and his Dad
January 9, 2019
Josh - Korean Memorial
January 9, 2019
Josh - Day of Commissioning
January 9, 2019
Josh Baby
January 9, 2019
Josh, Erica and Grace
January 9, 2019
Josh and Nick - Citadel
January 9, 2019
Josh and Grace
January 9, 2019
Josh and Grace
January 9, 2019
Josh and Grace
January 9, 2019
Paul Corriveau
May 28, 2018
"Our debt to the heroic Men and valiant Women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices". -President Truman.
Remembering your legacy today, and carrying the honor every day. Semper Fidelis.
Debra Booth
May 20, 2018
Today is your birthday...I am so grateful that I had you for 23 years .... it wasnt enough time. But, what a wonderful man you grew to be...a wonderful son, brother, husband and father. Your absence in our lives is beyond heartbreaking. Happy Birthday my son, my hero. I feel you with me every day. Love never dies. MOM
Fortes Fortuna Juvat
Blackburn Booth
June 25, 2017
June 24, 2017
Thinking of you!
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Missing this hero never goes away. Love you buddy.
Josh and his parents at the sugar bowl
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh and his niece Noelle
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh and his mom
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
USMC Commission ceremony folowing Josh's Citadel graduation with his best friend Jeremy
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh and Grace
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh and Grace
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh with his daughter Grace
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Josh's High school senior photo
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Melissa De Vera
May 27, 2017
Missing this hero never goes away. Love you buddy.
April 14, 2017
I will be competing in the Ironman 70.3 Panama City May 13 2017
It will ne a great honor to carry Joshua's name on my race bib through the Medals Of Honor program.
Semper Fi
Tim Barrett
Paul Corriveau
October 18, 2016
Though I am across the world now, the lasting effect you have had for your service carries on into mine. We are all thankful for the service you have provided this country, and though 10 years has passed now, not a day goes by without your influence among us.
-Semper Fidelis
October 17, 2016
Think of Josh and his family on this 10th anniversary of his death. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten. You made so much impact on those around you. It was an honor to have know you.
PSCM Scott Laplante, USN(ret)
Debra Booth
October 17, 2016
My son, I can't believe that today marks the 10 year anniversary of when we lost you -- you are so much a part of my life, my thoughts, my love -- still to this day -- I know you are around me, giving support and even guidance when I feel so lost. What an amazing person the world lost that day, what a wonderful father you would have been - you had just begun. It seems so unfair that you didn't have the chance to live the rest of your life. Our family was changed forever - we all walk a different path now, one where loving you and missing you is like breathing...it's there every day, all day. Now that your Dad is with you too, I try so hard to have the courage to hang on and hang in -- it's a struggle. But, I remember what you always said, "you need to adapt and overcome". I'm trying, Josh, but I doubt I will ever master it as you did. Love forever, MOM.
Lisa
July 24, 2016
Thank you for your service. I'm very proud of you. I wish I could have gotten to know you.
July 24, 2016
Thank you for your service. I'm very proud of you.
Debra Booth
May 30, 2016
On this Memorial Day I want to express the love and pride I feel to have been your mother. While it was only for 23 years, I have learned what leadership and sacrifice truly look like. My son, you represent everything that embodies a hero to me. I salute you. I love you and I miss you.
Paul Corriveau
May 26, 2015
For as long as I come back to Sturbridge, I will make sure you have a new flag by your memorial. Never forgotten. Semper Fi.
Black & K9 Roxy Booth
April 26, 2015
Black & K9 Roxy Booth
April 26, 2015
Black & K9 Roxy Booth
April 26, 2015
Black & K9 Roxy Booth
April 26, 2015
September 14, 2014
You are remembered.
September 13, 2014
May God Bless you my brother and your family! My son Chris is running in your honor today at a Cross Country meet in Georgia...My God hold you in the palm of his hand! Semper Fi! The Taylor Family
Debra Booth
September 4, 2014
Josh. Please take care of your Dad. I miss you both so much.
May 25, 2014
I have visited here before, most recently last Memorial Day. My nephew served with Lt. Booth during his first deployment in Iraq. We will never forget his sacrifice and that of all the other unbelievably brave men and women. I lost an uncle on D-Day, the 70th anniversary of which will be in just a few days. May God hold all our heroes in the palm of his hand.
Matt Gomes
January 15, 2014
Erica and Family.
I was in Anbar when Josh was killed. My wife gave birth to my first child (a son) 7 days after I returned. I think about Josh and your kids so often and pray for you guys. It so easily could've been me. I want you to know Josh makes me a better father and husband because I got to come home and he didn't.
Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Semper Fidelis,
Capt Matt Gomes, USMC
Citadel '99
Loretta Smith
January 14, 2014
Tonight I had the honor of seeing Bedford: The Town They Left Behind and learned of the loss of your son. My son is also a Citadel graduate and I wept as I saw Joshua's father wearing his Citadel hat during the interview for the film. Please know that your precious son, husband, and father is still remembered. He has not been forgotten.
July 4, 2013
Thank you.
May 27, 2013
I have visited here before and thought to do so on this Memorial Day. My nephew served with Lt. Booth in Echo Co. in Iraq. Thank God my nephew came home and is now in college, after three deployments. I don't know if Lt. Booth helped keep him safe, but he may have. Thank you for your service and the ultimate sacrifice you made.
We will never forget you or all your fallen brothers and sisters. God bless.
PatrickFrancis McElroy
September 8, 2012
Joshua is in fiddlers green now with his other brothers. Its a tradition for cav scouts to believe this after death. God bless him
"Fiddler's Green"
Halfway down the trail to Hell, In a shady meadow green Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped, Near a good old-time canteen. And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers' Green. Marching past, straight through to Hell The Infantry are seen. Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marines, For none but the shades of Cavalrymen Dismount at Fiddlers' Green. Though some go curving down the trail To seek a warmer scene. No trooper ever gets to Hell Ere he's emptied his canteen. And so rides back to drink again With friends at Fiddlers' Green. And so when man and horse go down Beneath a saber keen, Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee You stop a bullet clean, And the hostiles come to get your scalp, Just empty your canteen, And go to Fiddlers' Green.
Belinda
September 3, 2012
1st LT. Booth:
Browsing online for school related stuff, and stumbled on this website and this tribute dedicated to you. Never met you, didn't know you, but so touched by your life and your service. My son is in the USAF, scheduled for his 3rd deployment in Oct...so eternally bonded by a son's sacrifice of service and life to our country.... and mother love for a child who is committed to make the world a better place, just as you did, son.
God bless your family and your wife as she raises your children in the spirit of who you are. Thank you and the thousands of others for unselfishly sacrificing your lives for the freedom that most people don't even appreciate.
Freedom: It's NEVER free.
May your soul be resting in eternal joy in Christ,
Ms. Belinda
August 21, 2012
Josh - High School Graduation
August 21, 2012
Josh Senior Picture
August 21, 2012
August 21, 2012
A Massachusetts Resident
August 20, 2012
Today, while reading about the loss of other soldiers more recently;I came across this guestbook and learned some about the life and legacy of this fine young soldier. My thoughts will be with Joshua today as well as prayers for his family.
Susan Anderson
June 11, 2012
We will remember you for your service to our country, to us and our loved ones. We sleep in peace at night because of you Joshua.
Jerry Price
June 10, 2012
Thank you Joshua and your family for your sacrifice....
May 21, 2012
Happy Birthday. I miss you so much it hurts. Love Mom
May 18, 2012
I Was in Lt. Booths Echo Company 3rd platoon where he was my platoon commander. I rememeber him a a Hard charging No nonsense man. he always to care of us and made sure we took care of each other. He is greatly missed.
Patrick McKee
March 15, 2012
Rest in Peace, Marine. Semper Fidelis.
I went to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps JAG Legal Training with a young man who reminds me of yourself, being from Mass. God Bless You and your family. Thank your for your eternal and everlasting courage by keeping us all safe.
December 14, 2011
Missing you Josh.
Rob Patton '88
Citadel Pistol Coach
December 7, 2011
RIP BOOTH, from a new MARINE dad.
HONOR,COURAGE,COMMITMENT
SEMPER FI
Rachel
October 19, 2011
Always remembering you Josh. So proud to have known you. You helped make me who I am today.
Peggy Childers
October 17, 2011
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Joshua L. Booth:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Melissa
August 30, 2011
Miss you
August 30, 2011
Josh with Marines in Iraq
August 30, 2011
Misty Brimm
August 28, 2011
You are on my heart tonight Josh. Your family will always be in my prayers.
Jay Dodge
May 30, 2011
Thinking of you on this memorial day Josh, Rest in Peace brother, Semper Fi!
Traci Morris McMurray
November 19, 2010
Dear Booth family, in 2006, a small photo of John Booth clutching a tiny Grace Booth appeared in my local paper. A few lines were written with the photo, and the title read "Saying Goodbye." This is dated Friday, October 27, 2006. I clipped the photo and hung it on my refrigerator because I was so deeply moved by it. The photo brought me to tears.
And today, in 2010, that photo still hangs on my refrigerator door. My family has never met your family, but to my children, your son symbolizes what has taken place in Iraq. This photo is the reminder of the reality.
Four years later, I still get tears in my eyes if I look at that picture long enough. And now, I come to this site, and find others who have not and will not forget your son.
May you each be kept in the spirit of love and peace,
Jim
October 30, 2010
You have not been forgotten Joshua
Josh with Grace and Tristan (drawn by Gina Johnson)
Debra Booth
October 18, 2010
Peggy Childers
October 17, 2010
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Joshua L. Booth:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
August 9, 2010
Josh:
Not a day seems to go by that I am not thinking about how much you are missed. I keep a copy of the picture of you holding the guidon at your Sea Cadet Boot Camp Graduation in Newport, RI back in 1999 on my desk at home. You were such a young, and determined cadet. It seemed liked nothing could ever stop you from achieving your goals. I think so often of the conversations we would have about leadership principles during your time at the Citadel. I watched you grow from this cocky, yet confident teenager into and outstanding Marine, husband, and father. A small piece of me died with you on that October day. I only hope that I can continue to live up to your high expectations and standards. Anyone who doesn't believe that you can teach an old dog new tricks never knew the relationship you and I had. It was an honor to be your Commanding Officer, and an even bigger honor to be your friend. I miss you dearly and will never forget you my brother. Thanks you did and all you sacrified. Semper Fi!
Scott Laplante
PSCM(SW), USN(ret)/
LTJG, NSCC
Commanding Officer
Worcester (CL 144) Division
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Jay Dodge
May 31, 2010
Gone but never forgotten. We will always honor your memory, and pray that Erica, Grace, and Tristen live long happy lives. Semper Fi Marine,
Capt. Jay and Leslee Dodge
Matt Gomes
May 28, 2010
I just wanted to come-back to this page on Memorial Day Weekend to thank Josh's Family for their sacrifice. I think of him and the other 16 Citadel Alumni who have died in OIF/OEF. You have given such a gift to freedom that not many can truly ever pay back. I love you all and I will keep you in my prayers.
Semper Fidelis,
Matt Gomes
Former Captain, USMC
Citadel '99
David Anderson
May 10, 2010
I was not aware of the sacrifice that you and your family made until I saw the movie. Thank you is not adequate enough. It is with deep sympathy I write these words. We are truly blessed to live in this free land, The United States of America. I am a prior service Marine. I claimed that title in 1986 and served 4 years. I just re-enlisted 2 years ago in the Army National Guard at the age of 42. It is the courage, honor and bravery of men like Lt. Joshua Booth that give me the drive to serve my community and my country. Thank you dear Booth family for your tremendous sacrifice.
Semper Fidelis
Janet Kopel
March 30, 2010
I just saw the documentary about Bedford, VA "The Town They Left" and they talked about Joshua Booth, his sacrifice and his connection to the Bedford men who died on Omaha Beach on D-Day. As the mother of a active duty Navy man, his story moved me profoundly and I had to stop and drop a line. Thank you, Booth family. you are in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 100 of 327 results
Make a Donation
in Joshua Booth's name
Memorial Events
for Joshua Booth
How to support Joshua's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joshua Booth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
