ROBERT WESTLEY BOOKER

Robert Westley Booker Sr., age 88, peacefully transitioned from labor to rewards on Monday, March 4, 2024, from Kobacker House, Columbus, Ohio. Robert was born to Stephen and Winifred Booker in Plain City, Ohio on November 27, 1935.

From a young man, Robert knew no strangers and had an excellent memory that allowed him to connect with people and places. At 88 years old, he still recalled schoolmates and neighbors from Plain City and Chicago Ave, along with co-workers and where they lived. If Robert knew where someone lived or grew up, he would connect them with a person or place.

On June 16, 1956, Robert married Barbara Hope Ware from Urbana, Ohio. They moved to the east side of Columbus, Ohio, and with this union, Robert Westley Jr. and Elizabeth Kay were born.

Robert enjoyed excellent relationships with those he worked with and displayed a genuine sense of ownership and responsibility. Robert’s employment began at a young age, sweeping floors and cleaning up at Jones-Witter Company. As he continued, he found favor with the owner and became the first African American man to work in the office as a buyer and lead worker. He was later employed with the Schottenstein Company and Allied Merchandise, where he served as a merchandise manager. Robert flourished as a manager of Yankee Trader, a well-known novelty store in Columbus, where he was beloved and cherished by the proprietors and co-workers. He retired there in 2002 but always stayed in touch with his former co-workers.

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Robert attended First Church of God with his wife Barbara, daughter Elizabeth, and her husband Randal. Robert loved the Lord, volunteering at the church, driving for the food pantry, and picking up seniors for mid-week service and lunch. He was known for his volunteerism, steadfast work ethic, and loving and caring disposition. He served with the Men of Valor for many years and was lovingly and affectionally known as “Pop” Booker or Uncle Bob. In 2003, Robert was recognized for his dedication and exemplary service to the church. He took pride in serving with the Men of Valor at First Church funerals.

He was an excellent husband, father, and brother. He was also a good friend and neighbor to many.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Winfred Booker, wife of sixty-six years, Barbara, Brother-in-law John Ware, and sister-in-law Barbara Ware. He is survived by his beloved sister Nancy (Nathaniel) Robinson, son Robert (Cheryl) W. Booker, Jr., daughter Elizabeth (Randal) Gaddis I; sister-in-law Joan Ware, brothers-in-law; Jan Gilbert Ware, Alan H. (Antoinette) Ware, grandchildren; Rachel (Rob) Banville, Randal (Kristy) Gaddis II, Westley (Lydia) Gaddis, Curtis (Abby) Gaddis, Matthew (Stefanie) Gaddis. Great grandchildren Robert Banville, Jr., Ezra James, Titus Alexander, Weston Kenneth, Aida Elizabeth, Madison Michelle, Morgan Michelle, Malia Michelle, William Charles, Alexander Gideon, and Charlotte Mary Alice Gaddis; nephews Keenan and Nathan Robinson; special daughters Sylvia and Alethea Gaddis, life-long friends Gene and Jayne Harris; and a host of beloved niece, nephews, cousins and friends.