Stephen Faust Booth

Stephen Faust Booth, age 84, passed away on September 15, 2026, in Waukee, Iowa. He was born on February 14, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up in the Oak Park and Beaverdale neighborhoods of Des Moines.

Steve attended North High School until his senior year. At that time, he took the necessary tests to qualify as a high school graduate and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. The Navy proved to be a good fit for him, and he went on to build a long and meaningful military career. He retired in August of 1979 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, having served on various ships and stations around the world. Among the most notable moments of his service were his time at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the 1962 Missile Crisis, and at Fleet Operational Control Center Pacific (FOCCPAC) in Kunia, Hawaii, where he was involved in Apollo mission communication support, including the moon landing Mission 11 and Mission 13.

After his military retirement, Steve joined his uncle, William C. Leachman, in his construction firm. Later, upon his retirement from construction, he joined Better Homes and Gardens First Realty and remained with First Realty for over 40 years, through many ownership and franchise changes.

In December of 1971, Steve married the love of his life, Cheryl K. Hanson. She was a steady and loving partner through the ups and downs of military life and the changing real estate market, and she worked alongside him at First Realty for 20 years. Together they brought three children into the world, Michael, Michelle, and Melissa, all of whom made him proud of their many accomplishments in life.

Outside of work, Steve enjoyed playing golf, traveling, especially on cruises, and watching his grandson, Landon, grow and develop as a baseball player. Steve was a member of the Danny White VFW Post 11517 in Waukee and served on the Board of Directors for Cover My 6 Iowa, a charity that supported veterans facing sudden financial need.

Steve often said he was blessed having had three careers he thoroughly enjoyed, a loving and supportive wife, a large extended family and many good friends. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Booth of Waukee; son, Michael (Jamie) Booth; daughters, Michelle and Melissa Booth; sisters, Stephanie (Larry) King, Sherry Garmon; Sandra Booth; Shirlee (Craig) Krouch. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Edna Rose Booth, and brother Randall Booth. He was also preceded in death by his biological father, Walter Shotwell with whom he connected with later in life.

A visitation will be held Monday, September 28, 2026 from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 12:45 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa. A reception will be held from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Aura Restaurant & Lounge, 12851 University Ave., Clive. For those not joining at the cemetery for committal rites, the family invites you to Aura to begin the celebration and remembrance of Stephen’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: VFW Post 11517 Veterans Assistance Fund - In memory of Steve Booth, Waukee VFW Post 11517, PO Box 16, Waukee, IA 50263.