Richard Ward “Dick” Boohe, 91, of State College died Friday, June 6, 2014 at The Fairways at Brookline, State College.
Born June 1, 1923 in Bridgeport, Conn., he was a son of the late Ward Bristor and Edna (Beatty) Booher. In 1941, he graduated from Philipsburg High School.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations. After being honorably discharged, he attended Lock Haven University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in education while majoring in Biology.
He later received his Master’s degree from Penn State University. He taught science at Keith Junior High School in Altoona; he also taught advanced placement biology at Plainfield High in Plainfield, NJ; Governor Livingston in Berkley Heights, NJ; and Jonathan Dayton in Springfield, NJ. He retired in 1985 from the Union County Regional District.
On June 16, 1948 at the First Church of Christ, Philipsburg, he married Gwendolyn Kephart. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Ethel J. McEwan and her husband, William of Novato, Calif.; a cousin, Edward Booher of Greensburg; and his in-laws Col. William R. Kephart and his wife, Maryann of Rineyville, Ky.; Donald R. Kephart and his wife, Elaine of Chester Hill; Thomas G. Kephart and his wife, Nancy of Beaver; and Barbara Ann Kephart of Coraopolis.
He’s survived by his nephews, Gary McEwan of Novato, Calif.; William R. Kephart Jr. of Rineyville, Ky.; Donald Brian Kephart and his wife, Tammie of Beaver Falls; and Jeffery Thomas Kephart of Morristown, NJ; his nieces, Sue Kast and Ruth Schaffer, both of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Kathryn Ann Kephart of Atlanta, Ga.; Vicky Albert and her husband, Randy of rural Morrisdale; his great-nephews, Brian Kast, Mark Kast, Joseph Kast, Ryan McEwan, Dillon McEwan, Dr. Nate Kephart, Adam Kephart and Wyatt Albert and great-nieces, Melissa Schaffer and Cheyenne Albert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Richard W. “Ricky” Booher Jr.; an infant brother, Robert Wayne Booher; a sister, Zelma “Bunny” Phillips and her husband, William; and a niece, Sandra Lee McEwan Dunn.
Mr. Boohe was very active in the Christian church and as an elder and teacher in Scotch Plains, NJ and State College. He enjoyed reading, playing and advising chess, photography and gardening. Mr. Boohe was known for his integrity and was very kind and considerate of others. His loving spirit will always be with those that knew him.
A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Philipsburg Cemetery, Rt. 350 South, Philipsburg, with the Rev. William R. Fowler officiating. At the family’s request, there will be no public viewing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holt Memorial Library, 17 N. Front St., Philipsburg, PA 16866; Scotch Plains Christian Church, 1800 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076; First Church of Christ, 1437 Tyrone Pike, Philipsburg, PA 16866; State College Christian Church, 403 S. Allen St., Suite 112-A, State College, PA 16801 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
