The Coconino sun., 1926-04-09
WIN. C. BOOKER, VETERAN
U. S. ARMY AND EMPLOYE
POSTOFFICE DIED SUNDAY

EUDIUFTINE [ UkEO DUIVUA1
A life rich in friendship and exper-
ience was brought to an abrupt close
last Sunday forenoon by the death at
Mercy hospital, Flagstaff, of William
Cameron Booker, whose genial kind
ness to all with whom he came in
contact during the last several years
at the general delivery window at the
postoffice had won him the regard
and friendship of many people.
The cause of death was flu-pneu-
monia. Mr. Booker on the previous
Sunday got wet while fishing at Lake
Mary During the night he became
very i'll and, though given the best
possible care, steadily grew worse.
Deceased was born at Wallace,
Mo-, January 20, fifty-two years ago.
Both his parents died when he was
but IL years of age and he lived with
relatives until he reached the adven-
turous age of II, when he joined the
army. For 80 years this was the
only life he knew. He went through
the Spanish American war, where he
had many exciting adventures, was in
the cavalry at San Juan hill though
not with Roosevelt's regiment. When
the war was over Mr.. Booker was
master sergeant in rank. Later on he
saw service in the Philippines, Porto
Rico and other insular possessions.
He was stationed in Honolulu when
he was placed upon the retired list
in 1917.
He was married January IA, 1909,
20 Ia
Blanchard. Mr.. and Mrs. Booker
came to Flagstaff in September, 1917.
For two years they spent the summer
at ranch near Anderson point where
Mr.. Booker enjoyed his favorite pas
time Of hunting. Moving to town he
was appointed custodian at the ar
mory and sergeant of the local how
itzer company, which positions he
held until he went into the postoffice.
While at the armory he was badly
hurt in an accident from which later
he often suffered considerable incon-
venience.
Mr.. Booker was energetic and
stoical and permitted no ordinary all
ment to interfere with his days pro-
gram whether one of work or of
hunting. He was a great lover OF
animals and it was familiar sight
to see him start out on holiday for
a roam through the woods accompan-
led by his two beautiful big dogs,
Jack and jim, half collie, half wolf.
Many bear did they bring in. Jim
disappeared about year ago and 1t
is thought that some one stole him.
His grief would have matched that of
Jack, inconsolable since the passing of
4 his master.
/ Though devoted to his home and
/ enjoying it he was especially fond of
hunting, fishing and all kindred
sports. He was the first president of
! the Flagstaff Rifle club. He was q
| thirty-second degree Mason, member
of the Spanish American war veter-
ans. He was universally liked and his
kindly interest in everyone radiated
spirit of friendliness wherever he
was.
For the past year or so he made
/ his home in the house of Lou Wesley,
war buddy. Mrs. Booker's mother,
Mrs. j. A. Blanchard, arrived last
! July to live with them and will stay
here with the bereaved wife, who will
remain among her friends in Flag
staff.
! The funeral was at 8 o'clock We'd
nesday afternoon under the auspices
of the American Legion and the
/ Masons. The latter met at Masonic
temple and, in regular formation, led
/ by J. S. McIlwaine, marshal of the
day,. marched to the Flagstaff I'M
dertaking parlors, where a brief
service OF comforting assurance was
conducted by Rev. H. F. Softley.
"Abide With Me-" was sung by Mrs.
[ G. A. Pearson, Mrs. T. 0. Bellwood,
Tom L. Rees and Alex Johnston with
Miss Miriam Lightburne at the piano.
The Masons, led by Worshipful Mas
ter Walter Runke, conducted their
beautiful ritual service at the grave.
The American Legion in overseas
uniform under command OF Capt. j..
B. Wright, escorted the funeral pro-
cession to Masonic cemetery. At the
conclusion of the services last salvo
was fired and taps sounded by the
/ bugler over the coffin, which was
draped with the American flag. These
/ Spanish-American war veterans acted
as pail bearers: Howard Marine, Viii
liam Wallace, James Treagle, Claude
Walker, Cal Featherstone, Thomas b.
Smith, E. A. Baker and Dan Hogan.
The postoffice was closed for two
hourS during the services