Edwin Ray Booher

Edwin Ray Booher, 91, of Ballwin, Missouri, formerly of Springfield Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025 surrounded by his family. Born July 29, 1934 in Clinton County, Kentucky, he was the son of Edwin R. and Nellie (Farmer) Booher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters: Wada Booher, Patricia (Lloyd) Poore, and Reba (Harley) Jones, and his wife of 54 years, Cynthia (Cowell) Booher of Galesburg, Illinois.

Ed was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by four children: Diana Joy (Tim) Hall, David (Sandra) Booher, Sara (Juan) Kuanfung, and Liz (Bryan) Francis; seven grandchildren: Adam, Jill, Jack, Anna, Jon, Blake, and Lily; and four great-grandchildren: Tessa, Quinn, Jane, and Rory. He also leaves behind a loving extended family in and around Clinton County, Kentucky.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1953 with a degree in Journalism, he began his professional life in radio news in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Ed found his true calling as a teacher at the age of 21 and subsequently taught English at high schools in Hardin County, Kentucky, Glasford and Decatur, Illinois. In 1965 he began teaching at Belleville Area College in Belleville, Illinois, then joined the faculty of Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) in Springfield, Illinois in 1969 where he taught for 27 years. Ed received the Faculty Emeritus Award from LLCC in 2001. He received a Master of Science (Education) from Western Illinois University and a Master of Arts (English) from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Ed’s deep involvement at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church led to many cherished and enduring friendships. He performed in several productions at the Springfield Theater Center and volunteered at Memorial Hospital for many years.

Ed was a lifelong learner and teacher. He studied Spanish and French, and taught English as a second language to students from around the world as a volunteer in the Adult Education Department at Lincoln Land Community College in his retirement.

Ed was a true gentleman and will be remembered for his kindness and devotion to family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church in Springfield, Illinois, on November 1, 2025 at 10:30 am.

Ed will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois next to his beloved wife Cynthia.

Memorial donations may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church.