Ernest Booker, 74, of Jefferson City, died Sunday, June 11, 2006, at Capital Region Medical Center.

He was born on June 22, 1931 in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert and Ruby Stewart Booker.

Ernie grew up on the near north side of Chicago where he attended school through high school. He was baptized at an early age at the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago.

He joined the United States Army as a teenager and served twenty-two years including active duty during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era, receiving the Purple Heart award. He was also stationed in Europe, Japan, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia retiring as a Staff Sergeant E-6. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In the late sixties Ernie met the “apple of his eye” in the person of Ms. Sandra King whom he later married. To this union was born a very dear and darling daughter, “Sabrina.” He loved his family, his country, and was a dedicated loving father.

He was employed with Ft. Leonard Wood for many years during his retirement. He served with the Missouri Department of Corrections where he was known as “Sergeant Booker,” and later as a security officer with ABB Corporation.

Survivors include one daughter, Sabrina Booker, Sanford, FL; and three grandchildren, Destiny Booker, James Allen Booker, and Cody Booker.

He was preceded in death by one brother, John L. Booker.

Visitation will be 12-2 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with Military Honors accorded at 2 p.m.

Those wishing to email condolences or tributes to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.