Otto R. Boatcher, Raytown

Otto R. Boatcher, 86, of Raytown, died Friday, April 18, 2008, at the Kansas City Hospice House.

He was born April 7, 1922, in Florence, a son of August and Icy Mae Hirst Boatcher. On May 3, 1946, he was married to Mary Viola Gehlken, who died July 5, 1995.

He was raised and educated in Sedalia and was a graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II and served in Europe. After the war, he was discharged and returned home. He worked at Beatrice Foods in Sedalia. He moved to the Kansas City area in 1952. He retired as a loading supervisor at Fairmount Dairy. He was a member of Blue Ridge Boulevard United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 21.

Surviving are two daughters, Sandra L. Wheeler, and her husband, Bill, of Lee’s Summit, and Brenda B. Tittle, and her husband, Jack, of Independence; a brother, Olan Boatcher, of Sedalia; a sister, Ethel Hall, of Sedalia; special friend, Lucille Cox, of Raytown; a granddaughter, Julie Wheeler Sturman; and a great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Lena Teeter, Clara Decker and Minnie Gibson.

Memorial services were April 21 at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons, Floral Hills Chapel. Burial was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be left online at www.dwnewcomers.com.

The family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice.