Harlan Wilburn Booten

Harlan Wilburn Booten, 87, of Equality, Ill. passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 9:00 p.m., at Deaconess Hospice Care Center in Evansville, Ind. He was born on January 27, 1923 to Samuel Melvin Booten and Amelja Rosetta "Mealie" Wiedemann. Harlan married Norma Mae Morris daughter of Ben and Belva Morris on November 30, 1943. Norma preceded him in death on January 15, 1995. He was a farmer all his life. Harlan also worked as a carpenter with his dad and brother building barns. He had a passion for bluegrass music and baseball. When he was young he actually played guitar and he played baseball for many community teams. His one regret in life was that he turned down a position as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, but that was during World War II and he felt he needed to stay home and help work the farm while his older brother was overseas fighting. He is survived by two daughters, Janet Kay and Mike Schmitt of Equality and Cindy Lynn and J.C. Wise of Harrisburg; one grandson, David Worth; one granddaughter, Tina Bruce; two great granddaughters, Sammie Jo Cole and Dominique Bruce; one great grandson, Jesse Worth who has been residing with him. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mealie; his wife, Norma; two brothers, James Howard Booten and Charles Melvin Booten. Visitation for Harlan will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality. Funeral services be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Larry Lewis officiating. Burial will be at the Jones Cemetery near Equality. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Jones Cemetery Association. Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.