Olen L. Booker of Tater Valley, Luttrell passed away January 3, 2023 (his dad’s birthday). He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Lucille Booker; a son, Mitchell Booker and a daughter-in-law, Donna Booker. His parents were Herbert and Edith Booker, his siblings were Helen (Franklin) Branson and Kenneth (Barbara) Booker, all of whom predeceased him. Olen was born and for all practical purposes, died on his beloved family farm, just as he wanted.
He is survived by his wife, Trish or Yaya, as he called her, a daughter, Becky (Chuck) Huskey; a son, Marty Booker; seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.
Olen was saved as a young boy and recounted many special memories of those “good ole preachers”, as he called them. Verlin Booker, Jess Qualls, Royal Walton, Loy Shelton and Ernest Greene to just name a few that influenced him. The later of which married Olen and Lucille.
His working career spanned 32 years with Alltel and Powell Telephone Companies. He had many lasting, lifelong friendships from his work family.
Alltel paid the bills, but farming was where his heart was. He was still farming and taking care of his cattle at his time of passing. So many stories of his farming with the Branson family, Gail Booker and Charlie Nease. He often recalled their days of working in hay and corn silage. He loves every minute of it.
He had an abundance of friends along the way. Doyle Inklebarger, Steve Acuff, Newt and Paul Nicely. J. B. Kitts and Fuzzy John just to name over a few. Losing Paul took a great toll on Olen.
He fondly remembered all his older neighbors and had forged a friendship with all his new ones. That’s just who he was.
He used to visit Booker’s #2 daily, but didn’t go as often since his pal, Alco Cox passed. He had many a friend from the Booker gang and at Williams Tractor.
He loved to visit the boys at Ridgeline where he was the recipient of their “Lifetime Warranty” program. He loved Eddie Noe as much as he loved mowing that hillside and did mow it in the summer of 2022.
If he needed help, he could always count on the Williams boys to be there. He was especially close to Tyler. They were 2 peas in a pod to say the very lest.
He really found his happy place with Trish and all their adventures. He really was a changed man, but he had to have a hateful day every now in then because he was a Booker, after all.
His final minutes were spent with his extended family, Deanna Kling, Jennifer Buckner, Callie Buckner, his grandson, Josh Booker and his loving wife, Trish.
Per his request, his body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be posted on Trish’s Facebook page after it is finalized.
Friends and family may visit at his home or at Tater Valley Grocery at their convenience.