Obituary of Henry Edward Boots

Henry Edward Boots of rural Independence, Kansas passed away unexpectedly due to heart complications Sunday, October 31, 2021. He was born April 20, 1941, in Iola, Kansas to Henry Earl and Katherine (Lucas) Boots. He graduated from Independence High School in 1960 and received his associate's degree from Independence Community College in 1963. Henry was an entrepreneur throughout his life, but his passion was always the oil industry. He was an independent oil producer since 1975 and owned and operated a small manufacturing business since 1999. He was an active member of the Wayside Christian Church and served as a deacon. Henry was a beloved husband, dad, papa, great-papa, and friend who was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He was a master storyteller and always knew how to make people laugh. He loved staying busy outside, constantly finding projects to do in the barn, on the family farm, and in the oil patch. In the summers he enjoyed fishing and in the fall and winter he hunted, but he especially looked forward to an annual pheasant hunt in Western Kansas that he took with his family and friends. In his younger years, he loved the fast-life, was known to be a jokester, and could be ornery from time to time. Later in life, he slowed down and surrounded himself with his family and close friends and enjoyed watching his children raise families and flourish in their careers. He was always their biggest cheerleader and was fiercely protective and proud of his family, a legacy his family will continue because of his example. Henry is survived by the love of his life and wife of over 59 years, Linda (Melander) Boots; son, Henry Boots Jr. and daughter-in-law Denise Boots; daughter, Lori Boots and son-in-law Wayde Klingsick; daughter, Kari Boots; grandchildren, Zach and Kayla Helton, Kacie Larkin, Ashleigh Boots, and Austin Boots, and one great-grandson, River Helton; sister Myla McKnight; sister-in-law Ann Boots; brother Jim Boots; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Richard Boots and Robert Boots. Henry's immediate family will receive friends and family from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2021, at Wayside Christian Church at 104 E. Church-Wayside, Independence, KS 67301. Private services for the family will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021. Condolences may be sent to the family at 2649 CR 2300, Independence, KS 67301. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Henry's name to Wayside Christian Church; contributions may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.