John D Cota, Sr

John David Cota Sr, Age 77 of Olathe, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, December 23rd at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

John was born on July 14, 1947, in Wichita, KS to John Dean and Florence June Cota. John grew up with 3 Sisters, Janet, Carol, and Rosemary.

He graduated from Wichita South High School in 1965. John traveled around until he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard on September 28, 1966. John was a light weapons infantryman. He received an honorable discharge in 1971.

In December of 1969, John met the love of his life Elizabeth (Beth) in Topeka. They were married on May 23,1970. They were together for 54 years. John and Beth had 2 sons, John Jr, and Anthony.

John retired from the Union Pacific railroad in 2001 as a car foreman.

John was active with his two boys whether or it was playing baseball or helping with his sons’ boy scout troop 85. John enjoyed taking trips with the boy scouts, whether it was to Camp Bartle in Osceola, MO or to the high adventure bases, in Ely, MN and Cimarron, NM.

John and Beth loved to cruise. They took so many trips to wonderful locations. Their travels took them to Mexico, Caribbean islands and their most favorite location, Hawaii.

John was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Valley of Northeast Kansas Orient of Kansas, a member of the Scottish Rites and a member of the Abdallah Shriners for 50 years.

John loved to fish. Once he retired, he would be up early in the morning to get to his favorite fishing spot.

John is survived by his beloved wife Beth and their 2 sons, John (Wendy) of Bonner Springs and Anthony (Bonny) of Shawnee. 3 granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Isabelle, and Katherine. John is survived by his sisters Carol, Rosemary and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for John will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home 14275 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062. Service to follow. Private interment at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses who have cared for John over the last several years. He held a special place in his heart for each of them.