Jerry D. Bottenfield

Memorial services for Jerry D. Bottenfield will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 18th, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Jerry passed away Monday, May 11th, 2015 at Olathe Medical Center.

Jerry was born February 3rd, 1948 in Pittsburg, KS the son of Obie and Paula Bottenfield. He was a graduate of The University of Kansas at Lawrence where he studied journalism and was the business manager for The University Daily Kansan.

On August 17th, 1968 Jerry married Laurie Hallock in London, England. They moved to Pittsburg, Kansas where Jerry was President of Bottenfield Beauty Supply. Throughout his time in Pittsburg he was a well-respected businessman who contributed greatly to his community. Jerry was on the board of directors for The Salvation Army and Elm Acres, an Elder of The Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg and a devoted member of Rotary International.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Laurie Bottenfield, of Lawrence, KS; daughter Carie Whalen (Matt Whalen); granddaughters Lydia and Ella Whalen of Louisville, CO; daughter Dana Bottenfield of Chicago, IL; sister Judy Callahan of Scottsdale, AZ; nephew James Holtgren of Wauconda, IL; nephew Bradley Taylor (Catherine Taylor); great-nephew Cayden Taylor of Sylvania, GA; brother-in-law Cliff Hallock (Andrea Hallock); nephews Michael and Tommy Hallock and niece Stephanie Hallock of Herndon, VA.

The family will receive friends from 3–5 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational Church.

In honor of Jerry’s lifelong dedication to charitable organizations, the family requests contributions to The American Heart Association, The Salvation Army, or L.I.N.K. (Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen) in lieu of flowers. Donations may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

17 Condolences

  1. Cathy Scott on May 13, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Oh, Laurie, I am so sad and sorry. I just took a look down memory lane as I looked at his photos on facebook – he was so loved as a husband, dad and papa. Happiness was evident on his face in the photos (except that one where’s making a scary face)! One of Hanks many “isms” is that we hold the ones we love in our hearts – from the mouths of babes. There is no doubt that you and the girls and so many friends and family members will hold Jerry close in their hearts!



  2. Susan Diebolt on May 13, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Dear Laurie,
    I am in shock! I think it was December that I sat with you and Jerry on a flight to Denver. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.
    Susan Diebolt (Collar)



  3. Phil Patterson on May 14, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Laurie and family.

    I was very sad to hear about Jerry’s untimely death. I am so grateful that I was able to see he and you last year at the reunion.
    I also had lunch with he and Robert Elkins, and he showed me at the gift shop the pens he made. I was very impressed.

    My deepest condolences to you and your family.

    Phil Patterson



  4. Dick and Sally Dawson on May 14, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Dear Laurie,
    Our thoughts are with you today. We are certainly glad we attended the FIJI Reunion last spring, and had a chance to share our retirement interests. Jerry and I enjoyed exchanging photos of our shop projects and our motorcycles.
    We will always remember him fondly.
    Dick and Sally



  5. Bob Wittman on May 14, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    Dear Laurie,

    We were so saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Jerry. While we had only known him for a short time, his indomitable spirit, infectious good nature and head on approach to both life and adversity were readily apparent. His advice and recommendations for our first visit to London, so generously given, certainly enriched our visit. However, his and your obvious love for the city, enthusiastic support for our own visit and stories of your own experiences there contributed even more. I will miss him and his contributions to our Wednesday group.

    Please know that we will have you and your family in our thoughts and hope that this time of sorrow can be brightened by the fond memories of your time together and the life adventures you shared.

    With Our Condolences,
    Bob Wittman and Judy Ward



  6. Jim & Connie Huddleston on May 14, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Laurie, Carr and Dana :
    Our hearts were broken when we heard of Jerry’s death. Although we have not seen you for many years, our families have spent much time together and have some special memories. Our family will never forget the love your family showed to ours when Beth was hurt. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and we are praying that you can find peace and comfort in your memories and faith. Love and prayers from all of us, Jim and Connie Huddleston



  7. Norm and Marcia Runyon on May 14, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Laurie, So sad to hear of your loss, we send our love, prayers and sympathy to you and your family.
    Sincerely,
    Norm and Marcia



  8. Greg Wait on May 15, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Laurie and Family,
    I was so sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. It seems so much more important now that we had a chance to see Jerry at the FIJI pledge class reunion last year. I only wish we would have had more time to share more stories.



  9. Don & Susan Booth on May 15, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Laurie,
    Our heart hurt for you and your family at this time. You are one of our favorite pickleball pals! We will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that knowing you will see Jerry again someday will bring some comfort to you at this time.



  10. Greg DiVilbiss on May 15, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I am so sad to hear about this. The five years I worked with Jerry were some of my happiest. I always enjoyed going to Pittsburg to the HQ to meet with him.

    I will never forget one time Jerry came to my branch in Overland Park and we went for Thai food. Jerry said, “I will have what he is having” I replied “It is going to be hot” He went for it anyway. I remember clearly how red his face turned when he took his first bite.

    That is the way I remember Jerry, always trying something new enthusiastically. I owe a great debt to him and he will be missed.



  11. Jerry E. Waltrip on May 15, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    At age 79 I’ve had many bosses and Jerry Bottenfield ranks with the best. Pittsburg lost something of value when the company closed. Laurie, our thoughts and prayers go with you’
    As always,
    Jerry E. Waltrip



  12. Pete Easterwood on May 15, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Lauri,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My family sends their condolences to you and your family. I will add you and your family to our prayer list. Again, sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.

    Pete.



  13. Sue shea on May 15, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We thought so much of him here at the gallery. He was a fine artist and wonderful person.
    We will miss our visits. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    The Phoenix Gallery staff



  14. Buz Lukens on May 16, 2015 at 8:42 am

    Dear Laurie,
    I am so sorry to learn we lost Jerry. He was a great guy who always had a smile on his face and was always happy to see a friend. I always thought you and Jerry were the perfect marriage partners. All the happiness you enjoyed together is what makes days without him so difficult. But what a blessing. Our pledge class created life long friendships I am proud to have known Jerry and to have been his friend. In every way Jerry was a wonderful person.
    Sincerely,
    Buz Lukens



  15. Johnna & Jim Russian on May 16, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Dear Lorie and family, Vary sorry about Jerry. When you share and talk and remember, you will know Jerry will live in your heart.



  16. Jan O'Connor on May 20, 2015 at 5:17 am

    Laurie, so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I know how difficult this time can be. We hope to see you back at the bridge table when you can.



  17. Mitzi Gilreath on May 21, 2015 at 1:57 am

    Dear Laurie

    Our family was shocked and saddened to learn about Jerry’s loss. We all have fond memories of being neighbors with you and Jerry. He gave Courtney her first job at Soap Mama.

    I wish we could have attended his service to add our support to your family.

    We will keep you all in our thoughts.

    Chuck and Mitzi Gilreath and family



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