He served as either president or chairman of the Lawrence Chamber, the Lawrence United Fund, KU William Allan White Foundation, Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission, the Leadership Kansas Program, Lawrence Junior Achievement, Independence Days, the Swarthout Society and Volunteers in Court. There was rarely a board or community event he wasn’t involved with in some way. While broadcasting was Hank’s job, loving Lawrence and the people who live here became his calling. Upon his retirement, the school and the team honored him with a monogrammed chair that his successor will inherit. In a recent interview, an LHS administrator said what so many players and families knew–Hank was “part of what makes Lawrence High, Lawrence High”. Hank’s love of Lawrence and love of broadcasting came together in the press box of Lawrence High football games–he was the voice of the Lawrence High Lions for more than 50 years. Back at KLWN, he mentored a generation of the radio industry and was an engine behind 105.9 The Lazer, an iconic local alternative music station in the 1990s. The job, as well as his time as the voice of the KU Marching Jayhawks, combined two of his great loves: broadcasting and the Hawks. Among Hank’s proudest achievements was his time as the voice of the Kansas Jayhawks, serving as the PA announcer in Allen Fieldhouse and what was then Memorial Stadium. Hank served as the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) President, was named KAB Broadcaster of the Year in 1981, and was given the KAB Distinguished Service Award in 1990. He loved to hear about the little beautiful moments in people’s lives and he shared many of his family’s on the air, from the birth of each of his grandchildren to the joys and tribulations of marital life.īeyond the show, Hank had a decorated career in broadcasting. From his KLWN studio and from remote set ups in every corner of town, Hank announced births and deaths, interviewed community members, and emceed the comings and goings of everyday life. For five decades, Hank hosted his daily radio show, according to the Record. They planted roots and welcomed two daughters, Amy Elizabeth in 1974, and Rebecca Amber in 1977.įrom the time he moved to Lawrence, Hank’s voice was everywhere. After a brief time in the Southwest, the family returned to Lawrence so Hank could manage KLWN while his father served in the state senate. Hank, Sue, and son Andrew “Andy” Glenn Booth moved to White Sands Missile Range when Hank was stationed there shortly after the wedding. They were married on December 22nd, 1971, in Wichita. Hank met his future wife Susan “Sue” Booth (Shumate) out dancing in Wichita, Kansas in 1970. After graduation, he briefly attended the University of Maryland and the University of Kansas before enlisting in the US Army Reserves. He was a proud Chesty Lion in the Class of 1964 and in high school, he played football and was involved in student government. Hank’s first show on the air was at age 14 on KLWN. His father Arden put the radio station KLWN on the air in 1951, starting a family business that Hank would grow up around and become an integral part of. He will be remembered for his heart and his voice, both of which he shared with his community generously, and with love.Īn older brother to Elizabeth “Bette” Booth, Hank grew up attending schools in Lawrence and Baldwin. He was a loving father and grandfather, dedicated community leader, and beloved radio personality. Henry “Hank” Mills Booth was born on May 24, 1946, in Lawrence, Kansas to Arden and Elizabeth Booth.
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