Curby Booker

Curby Booker was born on March 24, 1942 in Shiro, Texas, to James Ed Booker and LurnLean Davis Booker. He was one of five siblings and is survived by his beloved brother, Gail Booker. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Eddie B. Booker-Moore, Anna B. Booker-Johnson, and James Earl Booker. 

Curby accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Madisonville, Texas where he participated in both the Sunday School and Youth Choir. 

He graduated from Marian Anderson High School in Madisonville, where he also played football. After high school, he attended Prairie View A&M University, majoring in Architecture. While at Prairie View, he was a dedicated member of the ROTC Program, serving as both a drill instructor and a marksman "sharpshooter." 

In 1963, Curby relocated to Santa Monica, California, where he met Marie Monroe. At their first meeting, Curby told Marie he was going to marry her -- and he kept his word. They were married on April 17, 1965, and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 17, 2025. To this union, three sons were born: Jeffery, Kirk, and Brett. 

On May 7, 1964, Curby enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably until his discharge on May 6, 1968. His service took him to Texas, Utah, Vietnam, California, Thailand, and New Mexico, and he earned numerous awards and commendations for his outstanding performance. 

Upon returning home, Curby began a long and distinguished career with Trans World Airlines (TWA) on May 13, 1968. He worked there for 35 years until the company was acquired by American Airlines, where he continued his career for another 10 years, retiring on January 1, 2012. 

In 1994, Curby united with Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Metoyer. He was ordained a Deacon on October 23, 2009. In addition to serving on the Board of Deacons, Curby was an active member of the Senior Usher Board, Board of Directors, Men's Group, and the Pulpit Search Committee. He faithfully and lovingly served the church under the leadership of Pastor Mossett, until his health no longer allowed him to do so. 

Curby had a passion for reading, watching football, and dancing the Cha-Cha. But above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, whom he loved deeply and served selflessly. He was also dearly loved and respected by his many friends. He will be truly missed. Faithful members are never forgotten -- for their service lives on in the hearts they touched, the prayers they lifted, and the legacy they leave behind. 

On May 27, 2025 at 7:12 p.m., Curby went home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Marie Booker; his sons -- Jeffery Booker of Tampa, Florida; Kirk Booker (Dominique) of Sanger, California; and Brett Booker of Los Angeles, California; his brother Gail Booker (Patricia) of Hearens, Texas; sister-in-law Heather Booker of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandson Michael A. Booker (Briana) of Honolulu, Hawaii; granddaughters Jasmeen Velma Marie Booker and Justice Marie Velma Booker, both of Sanger, California; and a host of loving family and friends.