White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Bobby Don “Bob” Booher, 86 years old, of Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at his home in rural Independence.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at White Funeral Home in Independence with military honors accorded by Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440 and Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post 30, assisted by the United States Navy. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo, IA.

Celebration of Life Visitation will be Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., September 17, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence.

Bobby was born September 30, 1937, in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, the son of Hubert Booher and Alice Marie “Reba” (Mason) Booher. His family moved to Waterloo, IA, when he was young, and he graduated from East High School in Waterloo with the class of 1955. He was recruited to the United States Naval Academy and eventually became a member of the United States Navy Blue Angels Squadron. While training in Pensacola, FL, he met Betty Jo Strickland. Bob and Betty were united in marriage March 26, 1960, in Molina, FL. Bob became a recruiter for the U.S. Navy, where he was honored multiple years as Navy Recruiter of the year, he served as Navy Career Counselor on board USS Forrestal Super-carrier, Special OPs team member, and was Leading Chief of Squadron VA 85 as the couple made their home in multiple cities throughout the United States. Bob retired from the Navy in 1974 and moved his family to the farm in rural Independence and started Booher Family Hampshire & Yorkshire breed program. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Bob was a gentleman. He and Betty enjoyed ballroom dancing together. He also loved to go fishing and hunting. He knew the value of hard work and he appreciated the value of a dollar. Bob loved his family and was proud to be a great grandpa; and he cherished his neighbors, whom he treated like family.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Booher of Independence, IA; one daughter, Cindy (Andy) Ford of Rose Hill, KS; one grandson, Dustin (Whitney) Ford of Houston, TX; and one great granddaughter, Ruby Ford of Houston, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials will be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of arrangements.