Alexander A. Kotoyantz

Alexander "Alex" A. Kotoyantz, 88, formerly of Junction City, died Friday, December 2, 2016 at Chapman Valley Manor. A Memorial Mass will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the St. Xavier Catholic Church with Father Gale Hammerschmidt officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Xavier Catholic Church, Chapman Valley Manor or the KSU Department of Geology, please send memorial contributions for the organization of your choice in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 826, Junction City, KS 66441

Alex was born on May 27, 1928 in Baghdad, Iraq to Arshak and Armenouhi (Damlamian) Kotoyantz.

On August 31, 1949, Alex came to America to attend Kansas State University where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Geology. He married Phyllis Caspar on February 1, 1958. They divorced in 1980, Alex worked for British Petroleum in Baghdad then returned to the U.S.A. where he worked for the Geology Department at the Kansas State Department of Transportation for 39 years. After retirement, he worked as a lobbyist at the State Capitol in Topeka. Alex traveled, played golf, hunted, & fished. He enjoyed meeting people and socializing.

Survivors include his Son. George of Carlton, KS; Daughter, Katherina (Gary) Howie of Abilene, KS; Grandsons, Justin (Ashley) Howie of Salina, KS and Phillip Howie of Abilene, KS; great-granddaughter, Madelyn Howie, ex-wife Phyllis Kotoyantz of Junction City, KS and Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Leon, and nephews.