LEE UTT Obituary

Bert L. (Lee) Utt, 75, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away on Sunday morning, May 30, 2010. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 14, at The Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Chapel, Leawood, Kan. The memorial service will immediately follow at 4 p.m. at the same location. A picnic will follow to celebrate his life at a location to be announced. Lee was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Decatur, Ill., to James and Marion Utt. He grew up in Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School. Lee was a scholarship athlete at Bradley University in both baseball and basketball, becoming team captain in both sports. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He earned the Watonga Award at Bradley in 1956, the highest honor the University bestows on a senior athlete for athletic and academic success. He was a Bradley outstanding athlete in 1954-55, Bradley basketball MVP in 1954-55 and 1955-56, Bradley baseball MVP in 1956, and a national All- American baseball player in 1956. Lee was a member of the 1954 Bradley basketball team that finished 2nd in the NCAA national championship tournament. He was a member of the 1956 baseball team that finished 3rd in the College World Series. Lee played professional baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, retiring at the AAA level to start his engineering career. He was a lifelong member of the Bradley B- Club. Lee was inducted in the Bradley University Hall of Fame and the Greater Peoria Hall of Fame for both baseball and basketball. Lee managed several teams at Johnson County 3&2 Baseball for over 20 years. Lee was a civil engineer for the FAA retiring in 2002. Lee is best known for his kindness, generosity, competitive spirit, humility, and wit, but most of all, his very strong sense of family and friendship. He was a very special man who always had his priorities in order. Lee is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Ruthe; son, Scott and wife Sheri with grandkids Michael and Kevin; daughter, Susan and husband Elliott Glass with grandkids James and Sarah; son, James and fiance Dianna Smith with grandkids Lily and Maddie; Lily's mom Lisa; sister, Sharon White and husband Charles; niece, Leigh Trail and husband David with son Cameron; and niece, Lynne White Shim and husband Edward with son Will. The family would like to thank Dr. Hugh McCaughey and his staff and the Menorah Hospital staff for their caring dedication. Dad - Mom and your kids are so proud of you and the life that you lived. We love you and you'll always be with us. Memorial contributions may be made to Johnson County 3&2 Baseball c/o Lee Utt, PO Box 14011, Lenexa, KS 66285. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.johnsoncountychapel.com Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons, Johnson County Chapel, 913-451-1860.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jun. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for LEE UTT

6 Entries

Diane Wagner

June 14, 2010

Dear Ruthe and family,

We were so sorry to hear of Lee's passing. We remember with fondness his attending and supporting Shawnee Mission West sports, especially the cheerleaders when Ruthe was their sponsor. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jerry and Diane Wagner

Kathy Minich

June 12, 2010

Dear Ruthe and family,

We were saddened to hear of Lee's passing. We remember so well his attendance and support of the SMW sports and cheerleaders. The girls and families were so fond of Lee. The dads enjoyed talking sports with him and the girls appreciated his smile and words of encouragement.
In more recent years we would run into you both at grandchildren's sporting events. His health had waned, but not his enthusiasm for his family and sports. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Dave and Kathy Minich

John Turek

June 7, 2010

Dear Ruthe & Family

We are so sorry to hear that Lee passed away. I will always remember our conversations in the yard or the driveway when we lived next door. We would talk about the kids, the ball games or the weather while Lee would shoot baskets and never miss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John & Bobbie - The Turek Family

Jim Weaver

June 6, 2010

So sorry to hear about Coach Utt's passing. He was such a great coach to me for so many years and I take my daughter's softball team through so many drills he taught us. He was so dedicated to our team...how many coaches had a batting cage in their backyards and allowed the kids to come over any time to use it??? He was a great man with a huge heart and I so wish I could come to the visitation. Our condolences to the entire family and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Weaver and family

June 6, 2010

Saddened by Lee's death. His combating of deteriorating health really is inspiring to me. As a friend and a former Bradley U. baseball teammate, I salute our Team Captain. May our Lord Jesus continue to be with Lee on his journey through Eternity. Sue and Mendy

Donna

June 6, 2010

Susan, Sheri and Family,

I grieve for your loss. Your Dad will always be there in spirit and I know you will all make him as proud as you have in the past.

Hold each other tightly in these hours of sorrow and know your friends have you in their thoughts and prayers.

God Bless.

Sincerely,
Donna Bernhardt

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