M. Francis Botts

Francis Botts, 81, of Independence, MO passed away on January 19, 2019. Memorial services will be 11 am Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Beacon Heights Community of Christ, 19402 E. Holke Rd. Independence, MO 64057. Francis was the son of Marion and Hallie (Hall) Botts in Independence, MO. After losing his mother in infancy, Francis went to live with his aunt and uncle, Cecil and Nora Barton. He was a graduate of William Chrisman High School, William Jewell College where he earned his Bachelor’s, and UMKC where he earned his Master’s. Francis married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, on August 14, 1959. To this union 3 children were born.: He began his career as a R&D chemist in 1960. His first place of employment was in St. Joseph, followed by Kansas City, Charleston, SC, Akron, OH and St. Louis, MO where he retired in 1999. In 2001 they moved back to the Kansas City area living in Lee’s Summit for 3 years before building their home in Independence. He has been a member of the American Chemical Society since his college days and was active in the St. Louis and Kansas City sections. He was active in several different areas of the two sections and served as chairman of the St. Louis Section. He served as a Priest and Elder in the Community of Christ Church as church school teacher, committee member/leader, and pastor of two congregations - Shawnee Drive and Twin Rivers. He was a faithful member and became an Elder Emeritus when his health failed. He loved working in his yard, gardening, growing orchids, playing cards and collecting coins and stamps. He also loved traveling and was fortunate to be able to travel throughout the United States as well as take many cruises to explore other countries and islands. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and relished in their accomplishments and their commitment to God. Survivors include: loving wife Karen Botts; daughter Katherine Honig and her husband Donald; son Keith Botts and partner Nicki Day; daughter Kimberly Webster and her husband Henry; 4 grandchildren and a large extended family and many friends. Francis is preceded in death by parents Marion and Hallie Botts as well as Cecil and Nora Barton. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Kidney Association, American Heart Association or Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity in Francis’s memory.