Jack George Botteron Jr.

Jack George Botteron, Jr., a retired electrical contractor, and a resident of Lake Quivira, KS for 42 years, died October 30, 2005 at the age of 77. His interest in electricity began during his childhood with the building of crystal-set radios and continued throughout his lifetime. He was a licensed shortwave operator for over 65 years. He began his electrician apprenticeship in 1948 after an honorable discharge from the Army. He worked as an electrician and estimator prior to assuming ownership with his wife of Wachter Electric Company in 1981. Jack retired in 1989. Jack Botteron was born on November 9, 1927, and spent his childhood in and around Springfield, MO, which provided him with a nearly unlimited supply of whimsical narratives about extended family life in the Ozarks of Greene County, MO during the Great Depression. Moving to Kansas City, MO as a teenager, Mr. Botteron attended Shawnee Mission High School and Paseo High School, where he set records in the 440-yard dash and played in the orchestra and marching bands. After graduation in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan, reaching the level of staff sergeant in the Twelfth Cavalry Division. Assigned to constabulary duty, he supervised the activities of Japanese police units, keeping civil order during the U.S. occupation. Following his discharge from the Army, Mr. Botteron married Marjorie Ellen Wachter in Kansas City in February of 1950. In 1963, they moved to Lake Quivira. At Lake Quivira he was a member of the volunteer fire department for many years. As a competitive sailor and member of the Lake Quivira Sailing Club for over 60 years, he won many trophies in regattas. He served on various building and restriction committees at Lake Quivira. His greatest passion was for music. Although largely self-taught, he was an accomplished trumpet player. He was a founding member of the Lake Quivira Funeral and Marching Dixieland Jazz Band. Mr. Botteron was preceded in death by his father, Jack Botteron, Sr. and his mother, Margaret (Purdy) Botteron. He is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 55 years, and children, Stephanie Botteron of Lawrence, KS; Bradley Botteron and his wife Ann of Lake Quivira; Jennifer Botteron and her husband Scott Smith of Merriam; and Dr. Gregory Botteron and his wife Dr. Kelly Botteron of St. Louis, MO. He is also survived by grandchildren Kendra Smalter of New York, NY; Jared and Katherine Botteron of Provo, UT; Brian and Christen Botteron of Lake Quivira; and Lauren, Sarah and Haley Botteron of St. Louis, MO. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be sent to K.U. Endowment, School of Medicine Fund, 3901 Rainbow, MS 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2005, with services at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8616 Haskell, KCK. Burial will be in the Edwardsville Cemetery, Edwardsville, KS. A Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. at the Lake Quivira Country Club. (Arr; Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS, 913-438-6444).