
Walter Alan Button, 77, of Lawrence, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 4. A tireless optimist, Alan outlived his many doctors’ prognoses by several months.
Alan was born in Lawrence in 1939 to Olin and Anna Button. He attended Lawrence High School and graduated in 1957. A year later, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country from 1958-62. Following the service, Alan worked at the Kansas Public Gas Co. for more than 35 years. Among other posts, Alan worked as Safety Director and Assistant Customer Service Manager. He also served on the Board of Directors for Quail Unlimited, the Red Cross, and as treasurer for the Wakarusa Township.
In 1966, he married Zee Allison, also of Lawrence. They were married more than 50 years.
Alan was a passionate hunter and an exceptional shot. Whether hunting for pheasant, quail or turkey, Alan’s instincts and accuracy often led him to reaching his daily limit so early that he’d spend the rest of the day helping his hunting partners’ reach theirs. Alan loved training his dogs and watching them work. He raised several German Shorthairs, including Molly, Dottie, Samantha, Heidi, Sadie and Kate.
Alan and Zee loved to travel. They visited more than 40 U.S. states and parts of Canada. They also traveled to Europe twice.
An avid sports fan, Alan was known to yell at the TV during Kansas Basketball and K.C. Chiefs and Royals games. During the 1980s, he was an active supporter for the Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association.
Alan coached his son Mark’s Chargers team to the DCABA Championship in 1983 with an 8-2 win over the heavily favored Cardinals. Before the title game, Alan promised his team if they won they could paint his feet “Cardinals red” and he would run the bases barefoot. After the victory, the team and their families cheered as Alan kicked up dust, dirt and red paint as he circled the bases. Alan also loved attending his grandsons’ sporting events and band performances. He often took them fishing.
Alan is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Zee Button, his son Mark Button and wife Amy, daughter Kim Ingalls and husband Jon C., grandsons Jeremy and Jack Ingalls, sister Lois Hardtarfer, brother Russell Button and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will celebrate Alan’s life at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8. In lieu of customary remembrances and flowers, contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society and Meals on Wheels are welcomed.
I am so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was a wonderful man that I enjoyed working with for so long. He always had a smile & a laugh to share. You are all in my prayers. I feel very blessed to have known him.
Alan will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
R.I.P. My friend.
sorry for the lost of my friend Alan we work together for years at the gas company we are praying for the family may God be with you and your family,during Time The Bob Parish Family
Sincere Condolences To The Button Family,
So sorry for your loss. May, “the God of all comfort,” be with you and your family during this time of sorrow. 2 Corinthians 1:3.
With Peace, & Loving-Kindness,
Zee and family, so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing.. He would always greet yes with a big smile. He was such a nice man. Our thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear this Zee. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Zee- I am so sorry for your loss. I could tell Alan was a special man from the first time I met him. I know he will be greatly missed.
So sorry to read of your loss. Know he will be missed by many. Was always so friendly and good to talk to. My sympathy to all the family.
Please accept my deepest condolences
I am so saddened to hear of Alan passing. I truly enjoyed working with him and just knowing him. He was truly a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Zee. we are very saddened of Alans passing. I had no idea that he had been ill. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He also was one of the best board members the Township ever had. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless your family.
I’m sorry for your loss, Zee. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
The Berg Acres Neighborhood has lost one of its stellar citizens. Alan, we will miss your exquisite yard, your friendly smile, and your willingness to help anyone who needed you. To Zee, Mark, Kim, and all of your family, Jim and I express our sincere appreciation for having known Alan Button, and our sincere sympathy for the loss of this wonderful man. You will be in our thoughts as these coming days bring you so many memories.
Zee, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You are wonderful people and good friends.
For over fifty-three years I have known Alan and Zee and I am thankful to have had the opportunity. We spent the last two years of our military duty as room mates at Richard-Gebauer AFB in Belton, MO. My wife, Pat, and I have stayed in touch over these many years and our heartfelt condolences go out to Zee and her entire family. We pray for the family and Alan and wish him peace!