VALLEY FALLS- Gilbert "Lee" Botkin, 79, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 in Oskaloosa, KS. He was born May 23, 1940 in Imperial, NE, the son of Clarence "Shorty" and Cleo (Malcolm) Botkin.

Lee graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1958. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1958 – 1978 honorably discharged as Senior Master Sgt. in Medical Administration. From 1978 – 1980 he worked for Heller Construction, 1981 – 1985 he worked in dispatch for Topeka Police Dept. and from 1985 – 2003 he worked for USPS as a repair parts clerk.

Lee followed his boys in their school sports. Later he enjoyed following his granddaughters in soccer, basketball and golf. He also liked to travel; he toured every state except Hawaii. Lee was a WWII buff and in 2001, he was able to tour France, Germany and Luxembourg to see the war sites. He also enjoyed taking scenery and animal pictures. He attended many auctions and gun shows.

Lee was a score keeper for the "Rock'n Valley Falls" annual event at the end of summer shoot out; hosted by Bryan Tillery.

He married Karen Yehle on November 19, 1958 in Valley Falls. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of the home; 2 sons, Scott Botkin (Nancy) of Enola, PA and David Botkin of Topeka, KS; a brother, Don Botkin (JoAnna) of Cleveland, OK; an aunt, Ione Botkin of Winchester, KS; 2 grandchildren, Zoey Lewis (Lew) and Addison Botkin and a great-granddaughter, Lyris Lewis.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorial may be given to the Valley Falls Athletic Assoc. c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.