SPRINGFIELD – Buvid W. "Boots" Struple, 87, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

He was born in Grant Park, Illinois on November 7, 1938, to George W. and Velma (Schultz) Struple, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Maynard Struple; and sister, Alta Mae Reinich. He married Christa Boehm on November 21, 1964, in Nuremburg, Germany.

Boots was a veteran of the US Army and was a proud 60 year member of the American Legion in Grant Park, Illinois. He was previously employed as a parts manager for S. J. Groves & Sons. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Boots is survived by his wife, Christa; daughters, Mariann Williams, Pam (Brian) Cuffle and Andrea (Todd) DeRosa; grandchildren, Jacqueline (Brandon) Goleash, Shelby (Jessie) Cuffle, Carlie Cuffle, Mikayle DeRosa and Rilyn DeRosa; great-grandchildren, Beckham, Hudson, Toby and Cade; sister, Sandra Richie; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grant Park American Legion, 209 Dixie Highway, Grant Park, IL 60940