Calvin L. Booth

Calvin Lawrence Booth, Sr, age 66, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the OSU Wexner hospital. Calvin was born on May 24, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, the third of six children born to the union of Carl L. Booth and Edwina F. (Carter) Booth. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl L. Booth, mother, Edwina F. Booth, Sister Elois V. Booth Ransom Goodman, Nephew, Michael Anthony Manley, Great Grandfather Charlie Smith, Grandmother Annie Joe (Smith) Carter, Grandfather, Labe Carter, Aunts Annie P. (Carter) Mallory, Willie Carter, Theron Carter, Evelyn (Carter) Griffith, Uncles, Alphonzia Carter, Charlie Carter, Thomas L. Carter and Homer Roy Carter.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 44 years, Gail L. (Hayden) Booth; son Calvin L. (Keisha) Booth, Jr.; Daughter Carolyn L. (Eric) Castillo; special nephew/son Gregory (Shaketia) Barnes; three granddaughters Carter and Camble Booth and Cally Castillo; grandsons Carey and Clark Booth and Cayden Castillo; three sisters Carolyn (Earnest) Nellon, Carnell Roberson, Roenia Booth; brother Carl R. (Kim) Booth; aunt Frietta Bukes and special cousins Shirley A. Hawkins and Michael (Beverly) Long, Sr.

Calvin was a graduate of Columbus South High School where he played basketball for three years. After graduating high school, he attended Ohio Dominican College for approximately two years and played basketball during his tenure there. Calvin gave his life to Christ at an early age, joining Jerusalem Baptist Church where he attended Sunday School and sang in the junior choir. Calvin didn’t talk about it, but he was a strong believer, and lived his life to reflect the teachings of the church and his parents. When the family moved to Seymour Ave, Calvin started to deliver newspapers. He was the best paperboy ever and is still remembered for his kindness to his customers.

In 1975 Calvin met and married the love of his life (Gail) and they started their life together and their family. Also in 1975, Calvin (and Carl) joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol as cadet. During a boxing class, Calvin was chosen to box the largest man in the class, he used his left hand to measure the distance between the two and then promptly knocked the man out with one hit. When asked by the instructor how he had learned to “hit” like that, he replied, “my sister taught me”. In 1976 Calvin and Carl joined the Academy and graduated in the 100th class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. IN 1979, Calvin (and Carl) joined The Columbus Police Department. During his 33-year tenure at CPD, Calvin patrolled the Eastside and worked many hours of special duty at Bishop Hartley High School, Honey Baked Ham and numerous other companies, festivals and activities within the city. Calvin was known as the gentle giant for his mild manner and warm personality. He also had a mischievous streak and a comedic wit that would reveal itself to family and close friends.

Calvin was a wonderful family man. He loved his children and grandchildren and retirement allowed him to travel and spend time with them. As his children were growing up, we all remember the many trips to take Calvin, Carolyn and Gregory to visit colleges, to basketball camps, to see games, as well as, the long drives to Penn State University to see Calvin, Jr. play basketball at the next level.

He was adored not only by his wife, but also, by his nieces and nephews, his siblings and a host of other extended family members. He was also a man that loved his parents. As our parents started to age, Calvin was there to help take care of them.

In his leisure time, he loved to read papers, enjoyed history and loved to talk politics with his dad, and sisters and brothers. Calvin will be sorely missed by his family, but because we are believers, we know that we will see him again.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 9:30 am until time of service at 11:30 am at Rhema Christian Center. Interment Green Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by WHITE’S FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, 867 S. JAMES ROAD, COLS, OH  43227, BENJAMIN F. “BENNY” WHITE, JR, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, (614)947-1123, whitesfh867.com.

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