John Boulton Obituary

In Loving Memory of our father and grandfather, John Berry Boulton. John was born May 14, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland to Berthoud Clifford Boulton and Wenonah Berry Boulton. John passed away peacefully on Monday September 25, 2023 at age 87 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. John was predeceased by his father, mother and four older sisters, Heather, Barbie, Ruth and Katie, his wife Carole Diana Boulton and granddaughter Kate Elizabeth Boulton. John is survived by son Matthew (Tammy), daughter Elizabeth (Jamie Peters), son Michael (Laura), daughter Sarah-Sally, daughter Lisa, son Jonathan, son Christopher, daughter Hannah, son Rane, daughter Maggie, son Joshua and grandchildren Madison, Drew, Emma, Jane, Jack, Sarah, Thomas, Austin, Aiden, Henry and Chase.

John was the youngest of five children, and he and his siblings grew up in Santa Monica, California, where he had fond memories about the ocean always being pristine. John graduated from Michigan State University with his Bachelors in Music Education in 1958 then taught in public schools in Lansing, Michigan. He completed his Master's Degree in Music Woodwind Performance in 1963. He met his wife, Carole, in the practice rooms on campus at Michigan State. He won her heart while playing Carnival of Venice in a concert. They were married in 1964 at St. Dustan's Chapel in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and remained a happily loving couple for 57 years. John and Carole's non-traditional family grew through domestic and international adoptions with a total of 11 children.

John began as an instructor in 1963 at the University of Kansas and completed his Ph.D. in Music Education in 1974. He then became an Assistant Professor in the School of Music, advancing to Associate Professor in 1976 and Full Professor in 1983. He was a masterful flute player who was sought out for his expertise and instruction in all areas of classical and band music programs. John performed with the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, the Kansas City Early Music and Spencer Consorts, and the Kansas Woodwind Quintet, among others.

John's family has fond memories of seeing him walking or riding his bicycle up the hill to campus until he retired in 2003. His dedication and passion for his work and students did not go unrecognized by those around him. He left a memorable imprint and lasting legacy at the University of Kansas School of Music and across the Midwest.

John was a skilled craftsman, always updating his historic home. He delighted his children with a wonderful tree house and magical backyard play area that included a memorable tire swing. John enjoyed outdoor activities such as tennis, hiking, canoeing and camping. He especially enjoyed sledding down the hill at the KU Campanile with his children and grandchildren. John and Carole included the whole family in their outdoor adventures. John was an avid book reader and after retirement volunteered for Audio-Reader Network as well as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

John continued to live out his love of music even after retirement. He listened endlessly to Kansas Public Radio and played his flute in many small ensembles. He played with Carole in the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, where they were members for many years. John passed down his love of music to his children, who remember him as the kindest and most patient father, devoted husband, gifted musician and teacher. A gentle soul, he will be forever missed.

A memorial bench and tree are being dedicated in memory of both John Berry Boulton and his wife Carole Diana Boulton at Kansas Rotary Arboretum where we encourage all to visit. Family, friends, colleagues and students are invited to the Celebration of Life Ceremony for John B. Boulton (1936-2023) Sunday, November 12th, 2023 at 3:00PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, 1263 N 1100 Rd Lawrence, KS 66047. In lieu of flowers please donate to Kansas Public Radio in honor of John Boulton.