Basil Owen Booton

Basil Booton would often say that when he had a decision to make, he would consider three factors, in this order: What would God want him to do; what would be best for his country; and what would be best for his family. He applied this model to every major choice in his life.

Basil Booton, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, passed away at the age of 98, following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Dorothy, and by his sisters Elaine Fritz Massey, Marilyn Enichlmeir and Rosemary Carrera, and by his brother Duane Booton.

He is survived by his children, Katharine (Gregg) Wilson and Barry Booton and by his sister Joan (William) Kamberis, and by a multitude of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnephews and a grandniece.

Basil was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Murza "Mickey" Isador Booton and Pearl Marie Booton. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Chicago, where he lived until he moved with his wife to Chicago Heights.

Basil was one of six children, and he loved his siblings dearly. As a child, he enjoyed leading his sisters and brother in exploration of the city and adventures. He once determined that he would ride his bike on every street in Chicago from beginning to end, going in alphabetical order. He eventually realized the magnitude of this goal and ended his quest after completing the "A" streets.

He proudly served in the United States Army at the end of World War II and in the Army Reserves following his departure from active duty.

A graduate of Northwestern University, Basil spent his career as a Certified Public Accountant. For over 35 years, he worked as an auditor for Morrison & Morrison in Chicago. He loved the certainty of numbers and was especially happy when accounts were in balance.

In 1956, while working as an auditor in Frankfort, Kentucky, he met the love of his life, Dorothy. They met first through his work, as he was auditing the books that she was keeping as an accountant and later crossed paths on the street. It was a Sunday morning, and Dorothy invited

Basil to join her at church. He knew that she was "the one". They married on June 23, 1956 and enjoyed 38 happy years together until her passing in 1994. Basil was a long-time active member of the Chicago Heights United Methodist Church and the Olympia Fields United Methodist Church. During the final years of his life, he became a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Homewood, where he loved to goad the pastor to include more traditional hymns in the service. Basil's optimism and love of life were unsurpassed. He greeted the world with a smile and was known for his gentle spirit and kindness. He taught all around him by example to treat everyone well, especially our littlest neighbors, the children and the animals.

Visitation Monday, January 26, 2026 from 3:00PM – 7:00PM at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood.  Mr. Booton will lie-in-state Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church 18324 Ashland Avenue in Homewood at 9:30AM – 10:30AM, Service with Military Honors:  Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Salem Lutheran Church immediately following visitation at 10:30AM. Following the service, we will proceed to the Homewood Memorial Gardens cemetery, where Basil will lay to rest next to his beloved Dorothy. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

In lieu for flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Basil generously supported many causes. A few of his favorites were: Deborah's Place www.deborahsplace.org Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control www.fcacc.org Salem Lutheran Church www.salemhomewood.org/ Berea College www.berea.edu.