Chester Otis Booth Jr.

Chester “Chet” O. Booth Jr., age 87, of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away October 2, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born and raised in Upper Lake, California, where he grew up on a cattle ranch and participated in FFA with Hereford cattle. He graduated from Upper Lake High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Air Force. Chet was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he excelled in bomb navigation and flew on B-52 bombers.

During his service, Chet met his first wife, Vicki Nielsen. The couple moved to Oregon in 1960 and had five children together. They were married for 30 years. Chet was a devout Christian and one of the founding members of Redwood Christian Church. He enjoyed competing in archery tournaments and worked at Shneeman Electronics building X-ray machines. A talented craftsman, he loved woodworking and often sold his creations at local events.

Chet later met his second wife, Donna Paylor, at Charlie Brown Square dancing. They were married for 24 years until her passing in 2018. In his later years, Chet enjoyed living at The Suites Assisted Living and could often be seen riding his electric wheelchair all over town.

Chet is survived by his children Jeri Boe ( Dr. Stephen Boe), Sandi Ross (Mark Ross), Connie Filipek (Todd Filipek), and Scott Booth (Shannon Booth); stepdaughters Brenda Paylor, Debi Sooner, Robi West, and stepson Phillip Paylor. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna Booth, daughter Lynn Oliver, and sisters Shirley Fischer and Eunice Norton.

Donations may be made to The Suites Assisted Living Halloween Candy Drive, 1301 Parkdale Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97527.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., October 9, 2025 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors. Private interment at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens Cemetery.