BOOTHE, PRESTON D. January 18,1916 to June 20, 2008 "One Of The Few, The Proud" This Marine was born in Buhl Community of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama on the January 18, 1916, and passed on June 20, 2008, in San Diego, California, at the age of 92. Preston was the fourth son of seven children of Edward Hayes and Meranda Channell Boothe. He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, the former Helen Barbera Wilken, his parents and siblings. Preston initially served in the U.S. Army for two years as a PFC before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on July 15, 1941, and served as a Staff Sergeant in the 4th Marine Division, 14th Marine Artillery Battery. A veteran of the South Pacific action of WWII, Preston saw service at Tarawa, Guada-canal, and Iwo Jima. His unit was the forth to land at Iwo Jima, and he saw the flag raised on Mount Suribachi. Wounded at Iwo Jima , Preston received the Purple Heart, two Presidential Unit Citations and four Battle Stars. After an Honorable Discharge, Preston settled in the Point Loma area of San Diego, California. He married and became a well-respected member of the community. Preston served the Point Loma area as a barber for well over 30 years. He is survived by his close relatives, Ann O'Brien, Sandra McDaniel along with many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grandnephews, and close friends Dale Thoman, and Michael Stachowiak. Funeral services were held at Beardsley Mitchell Funeral Home in Pont Loma, California on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. He was accorded a Full Military Funeral, a twenty-one gun salute and the playing of Taps. The final resting place of his flag draped coffin is El Camino Memorial Park, San Diego, California. He wanted everyone to know that, "I Survived Iwo Jima!" It was a blessing and Honor to have know Preston, he wanted all to know he would be waiting at the right hand of God for all of those who believe! "SEMPER FI"
Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on July 15, 2008