Jess Arlan Alton, 73, of Overland Park, KS, passed away on December 18, 2015, at his home.

Jess was born April 15th 1942 at Clay Township Modale, IA, the son of Virgil and Arla (Smith) Alton. He grew up in rural Little Sioux, IA, attending K-12 in Mondamin, where he participated in school sports and band. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Iowa State at Ames and Dana in Blair, Nebraska and received his Master's Degree from the University of South Dakota.

Jess married Gloria Worth of Mondamin, IA on August 23rd, 1963. From that union two sons were brought into the world.

Rich (Renee) of Moore, Oklahoma, his two children Nathanial (Sara) of Moore, Oklahoma and Amanda (Van) Jones of Boise, Idaho. Brad of Overland Park, Kansas and his two children Jess and Ava.

He retired from Hallmark after 35 wonderful years as a Purchasing Manager, which provided him the opportunities to travel world-wide. After several years of being "retired" he worked part-time at JCPenny's.

He was a proud member of the Ararat Shrine, Order of the Q and the Missouri Valley/ Little Sioux Masonic Lodge 232, as were his father and grandfather.

Jess enjoyed many things throughout his life. NASCAR events and the road trips "to and from" were at the top of the list for many years. He was an avid college sports enthusiast, especially KU men's basketball (Rock Chalk) and how about them Royals! Jess watched every inning of both the play-offs and the World Series. He especially enjoyed family summer vacations to Florida, coaching his sons sporting efforts, working in the yard and garden and spending time with friends and neighbors.

Approximately 20 years ago his passion for classic cars peaked with the purchase of a '63 Chevy Impala. Whereby Gloria and he joined a classic car club and participated in several car cruises, shows and events.

His love of God was instilled by his parents and grandparents and he led his family to the Lord, modeling the "golden rule". The last chapters of his life were blessed by his active membership at the Lenexa United Methodist Church, where he greeted and helped with various projects.

Jess always brightened up when his grandchildren or family members were close by, laughing, playing, telling stories…making memories and cherishing the minutes.

Jess was a planner…his family laughingly remembers his 3×5 cards that he would make his many lists of "to dos". So much so that in 2013 after being diagnosed with brain cancer he planned the very service you are attending now down to the last detail. Particularly this verse…Hebrews 9:27.

Jess is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Arla Alton and Gloria's parents Vance and Ruth Worth and survived by his wife, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, his sister Judy, and brother in law Stan. Jess touched the lives of everyone he met while he walked this earth and he will be missed and remembered by all.

Services

A visitation will be held Monday December 21, 2015 at Lenexa United Methodist Church 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, KS from 5-8 p.m. Funeral service, also at the church will be Tuesday December 22, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

Contributions

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

Lenexa United Methodist Church
9138 Caenen Lake Rd
Lenexa, KS 66215

or

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22478
Oklahoma City, OK 73123