Richard Leon Booker SR

Richard Leon Booker Sr, 80, left us on February 9, 2020, after his battle with end-stage renal failure.  His beloved daughter, Rayna, was by his side in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Richard was born on March 22, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, to Willie Booker and Lucille Bennie Patterson.  He was an energetic child who grew up to be a strong young man through the guidance of his grandmother Rose Patterson (Little Mama), his mother Lucille and his stepfather, Artie Childs. 

Richard attended high school at Booker T Washington High School.  After graduation, Richard joined the U. S. Air Force and continued a 20+ year career.  During his high school years, he met and later married his sweetheart and favorite dance partner--Betty Kathryn Streat.  He and Betty had and successfully raised six children.

During his time of service in the Air Force, Richard attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and developed his skills as a civil engineering instructor.  After his retirement from USAF in 1977, he went on to become a civil engineering consultant to the private sector and eventually with the U.S. government.

In 1984 Richard moved to Germany, and within 2 years had opened his own business as a restaurant and bar owner.  After several years of success and a slight downturn in profits, he moved back to the USA and settled in Las Vegas—where the weather was warmer and more to his liking.

Richard loved traveling and visited many countries during his time abroad.  He also enjoyed spending time with his friends and family--and took opportunities to gather with them as often as he could. 

Richard is survived by his six children:  Roslyn Booker; Richard Booker, Jr. (w. Kathy); Rhonda Booker; Roderick Booker (w. Aleksandra); Rita Booker; and Rayna Booker; Grandchildren: Richard Lawrence Booker, Ryan Booker (w. C’ierra), Tiffany Hendrix (h. Damon), James Booker (w. Timolin), Mikiala Booker McKillop, Clayton Smith and Brianna Smith, Rosie Booker and Ria Booker; Great-grandchildren:  Denee Hendrix, Dallas Hendrix, and Olyver Booker; Siblings: Paul Childs, James Childs, and Betty Page and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.