Jesse L. Maddox

Jesse L. Maddox, 81, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at Highland Cemetery with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Maddox from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M., Monday, September 28, 2015, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Jesse was born Friday, July 13, 1934, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Clarence and Sarah Keim (Maddox). He was a lifelong resident of Ottawa, born and raised in the same home his entire life. He attended Ottawa schools. Jesse was united in marriage with Elsa Gonzalez September 10, 1959, in Balboa, Panama. She survives of the home after fifty-six years of marriage. Other survivors include his five children, Jesse C. Maddox and wife Amy of Shawnee, James L. Maddox and wife Suzann of Wichita, Donald L. Maddox of Olathe, Angelena R. Fredricks of Overland Park, and Randy D. Maddox also of Overland Park; two siblings, Mina Methonen of Wasilla, Alaska and John “Jack” Unger and wife Joyce of Mulvane; nine grandchildren, D.J. and wife Ji-Hye, Alexandra and husband Christopher, Kyle, Emma, Colin, Olivia, Rachel, C.J., and Christopher and wife Holly; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Sarah Maddox; biological parents, John and Alice (Godfrey) Unger; and sister, Peggy Bergen. He was employed as a truck driver for ten years for Franklin County Roads and Bridges, retiring in 1994. When he was younger he held various jobs in the construction industry including carpentry, electrical, and heating and cooling. He also helped build Pomona Lake and I-35. He was a Jack of all trades. Jesse enlisted in the United States Army from September 1956 to July 1959. He was stationed in Panama as a Specialist 4. His decorations included the Good Conduct Medal and Marksman (Rifle). He was a member of the National Rifle Association and a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 5901. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed trapping beaver and loved to take his family camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Jesse’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com