All of Astoria and the entire community as well, was terribly shocked and grieved when the news spread Thursday morning that J. Otis Boo, well known implement dealer of this city, was found dead in bed at his home. He was found by E. G. Bader at about 8 o’clock. Mr. Boo was aged 59 years, four months and 11 days. Death was due to apoplexy.
Mr. Boo and Mr. Bader made their home together, owning the residence and contents jointly. Mr. Boo had complained the night before of not feeling well and did not eat any supper. He retired around eight o’clock. The following morning, their housekeeper had breakfast ready at the usual hour, around eight o’clock. When Mr. Boo did not come down for his breakfast, Mr. Bader went to his room to ascertain why he was delayed. To his great surprise, he found that he had passed away. It is presumed that he had died in the early part of the night.
Mr. Boo was never married. He had been engaged in the implement business in Astoria for almost thirty years, dealer for the International Harvester Company. He had built up a good lucrative business; had the respect and esteem of a large circle of farmers and friends in this vicinity, who regret his passing.
Mr. Boo was widely known throughout Fulton county and Illinois, having been active in community affairs, in the American Legion, the Masonic order, and the society of Forty et Eight, honorary organization with the Legion. A charter member of the Astoria Post, American Legion, and a past post commander, he served in various other offices in the same post. He was also past Chef de Gare, Fulton county Forty et Eight, and Grand Cheminot, Grand Voiture d’Illinois, Forty et Eight. A member of Mohammed Shrine, Peoria, he was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Fulton County Scottish Rite club.
Mr. Boo earned his status in veterans’ affairs through overseas service with the U. S. Air Corps during World War I. He served throughout the second war on Draft Board No. 1, was a director of the Astoria State Bank, a member of the Beardstown lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Canton and Peoria County Clubs of the Creve Coeur club of Peoria. He was also a member of the Fulton County Housing authority, a meeting of which he attended on the day before his death.
John Otis Boo was born in Lewistown Nov. 5, 1889, a son of John P. and Mary Bolander Boo. He is survived by one brother, Gerald Boo of Englewood, Calif.; also two nieces of Chicago and one nephew of Lewistown.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the Astoria Methodist church, conducted by Rev. H. Sheldon Pattison of Geneseo, assisted by Rev. H. D. Simmons, pastor of the Methodist church. Burial in Lewistown cemetery.
The Astoria American Legion Post No. 25 attended the funeral in a body and conducted military services at the graveside.
The funeral was largely attended by sorrowful stricken friends, the auditorium of the church being filled to capacity. The floral offerings were many and most beautiful.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus