Wilbur L. Stotts, 88, of Hutchinson, died Oct. 12, 2011, at Hospice House. He was born March 6, 1923, in Hutchinson, the son of Walter Leslie and Nellie Rebeka Hood Stotts.

He was a lifetime Hutchinson resident, a 1941 graduate of Hutchinson High School and attended Hutchinson Junior College and the Salt City Business College. Wilbur worked for both Gano and Security Grain companies, he then owned and operated a Texaco Service Station, then worked for USD No. 308, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the First Congregational Church. He served in the US Army infantry during WWII in the Pacific Islands including Okinawa.

On May 23, 1943, he married Pauline B. Leeper in Gainsville, Texas. She died Aug. 21, 2011.

Survivors include: sons, Larry Ray Stotts and his wife, Jane of Hutchinson, Robert L. Stotts and his companion Cathy Wierman of Wichita; daughter, Mary Kay Bottomley and husband David of Hutchinson; four grandchildren, Jason Weilert, Latisha Weilert-Beymer, Paul Stotts and Ashley Stotts; and two great-grandchildren, Bailee Weilert and Lawson Weilert-Beymer. He was preceded in death by a son, Tracey and a brother, Bernard Stotts.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at First Congregational Church, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the church or Hospice Care of Kansas, in care of Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.