John Aloysius (Johnnie) Booker (81) of Stanley, KY passed away, at his home, on Wednesday January 22nd, 2025.
Born August 9, 1943, to Paul Aloysius and Mary Catherine Young Booker, Johnnie was of the Catholic faith, a member of St. Peter of Alcantara, and previously St. Augustine of Reed. He attended Owensboro Catholic High School, where he was a standout pitcher and was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates, at the age of 16.
Johnnie was a member of the labor union and helped to build the Uniontown dam in 1968. He was also a member of the Kentucky National Guard.
He worked at National Southwire Aluminum for 27 years, but his real passion was thoroughbred horses. Johnnie began training horses and won his first race in 1973. He continued to race for 45 years across multiple tracks and states building his stable to 49 horses. No matter where he traveled, his home was always Ellis Park in Henderson KY.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Catherine Booker, a great-nephew, Graham Hodges, and his brother-in-law, Billy Joe Bollinger.
He is survived by his five children: John A. Booker, Jr. of Lexington, KY, Anna Dee Raney, and her husband, Greg, of Henderson, Jeremy T. Booker, of Henderson, SFC Jordan L. Booker, and his wife, Theresa of Crownsville, MD, and Joel B. Booker, and his wife, Christina of South Lake, TX; eight grandchildren: Brandon (Kaylie) Booker, SSG Mitchell (Haley) DeMar, John Thomas (Kaylee) DeMar, Justin Booker, Olivia Booker, Charlotte Booker, Francis Booker, Madeleine Booker; two step-granddaughters, Hadlee Baty (Dillon) and Hannah Raney: five great-grandchildren: Karson Booker, Kason DeMar, Eloise DeMar, Claire Booker, and Avery DeMar; one sister, Philomenia Bollinger, of Grand Rivers, KY, and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Booker, SSG Mitchell DeMar, John Thomas DeMar, Justin Booker, Paul Layman, Ralph Mitchell, Jr., Brad Bollinger, Billy Layman, and Martin Young.
Special thank you to Tim Morris and the Heartford House for their care during this time.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky at 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY
42301, or HPC of Western Kentucky at www.HPCWKY.org.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Peter of Alcantara, with Father Will Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Fr. Will will lead in prayer at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Peter of Alcantara, from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with John Aloysius “Johnnie” Booker’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Booker and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.