Kenneth H. Bookman
Kenneth H. Bookman, 90 of LaRue, died unexpectedly April 5, 2021 at Dublin Methodist Hospital with his daughter by his side, following an injury from a fall at home.
He was born April 20, 1930 in Loudonville, Ohio to the late Herbert and Grace Hazelett Bookman. He was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 68 years who passed January 20th this year. Also his 3 infant sons: Bernard, Jerome and Matthew; a brother Ralph Bookman and sisters Helen (Keith) McConachie, Marilyn
(Cecil) Matthews, Marian (Kenny) Bates and Linda Bookman and grandson, Russell Higgins and granddaughter, Sarah Bookman.
Most important to Kenny were his family and friends. Surviving are children Mike Bookman of Deshler, Glenn Bookman and Cindy (Phil) Bradstreet of Winter Garden Florida, Therese Trout Maripat LeVally and Paula Combs of LaRue, and Chris Ritchie of Prospect. 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
Kenny graduated in 1949 from Butler High School. Following graduation he joined the Marine Corps with basic training in Parris Island, SC. He was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, where he met the love of his life, Betty. They met at a Canteen (dance hall for servicemen) and fell in love. After serving 3 years and 3 months during the Korean War, he was honorably discharged, he and Betty headed east. Their Trip took them first to Milwaukee, WI to meet Betty’s parents. They were married in Milwaukee, WI on May 2, 1953. Then they headed for Ohio and spent their honeymoon at the family cabin
(homestead) just outside Loudonville.
Kenny’s military service entitled him to a free college education, and The Ohio State University was his #1 choice. OH..IO! Go Bucks! He graduated with a BS in Education from OSU. During this time he started his family and worked at Alber’s Grocery Store.
He applied for a teaching job at LaRue Schools and was hired to teach Ohio and American History, with a requirement to direct the spring play (that he enjoyed). He started the Buck-eye-Rue Club. They took field trips to the Ohio Historical Society and won a 1st place ribbon for a log cabin replica they built.
When LaRue, New Bloomington, Green Camp and Prospect schools consolidated and became Elgin, he became their Driver’s Education Teacher and Audio Visual Technician. Wow, the stories he could tell. And many of his students too. He retired after teaching for 30 years with Elgin Schools.
While teaching, Kenny and Betty formed Bookman Enterprise, a rubber stamp and printing company, providing supplies for stationary decorators and other businesses.
In his retirement, Kenny worked at Handy Hardware and got more involved in the LaRue community. He was active with the Oorang Bang Celebrations, put up Christmas Lights, sprayed for mosquitoes, was Street Commissioner repairing water main breaks, pot holes, and other repairs around LaRue. Many winters he plowed snow around the village. He was determined to end the high water flooding that occurred every spring and with heavy rainfall. He served as Tree Commissioner, planting trees around LaRue every Arbor Day. He always wanted to make LaRue a great place to live. He was excited to watch the new water tower go up.
Recycling was important to Kenny, and when the recycling bins came to LaRue, he was paid to manage them (make room for more) and donated the money back to the LCA. Kenny lived a life of “service” and truly “ Loved LaRue Life”, He did his part to make LaRue a great place to live..
Memorial Gifts may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation, American Cancer Society and L.C.A.
A combined Graveside Service for both Kenny and Betty, will be held Monday April 12, 2021 at 11:00 am at the LaRue Cemetery, Father Thomas Buffer will officiate. Military Honors for Kenny will be conducted by the Marion Area United Veterans Council.
The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue is assisting the family.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home