Milton Lewis Jamison

Milton Lewis Jamison, 72, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on August 3, 2023. Milton was born in Quinter, Kansas, on April 5th, 1951, the son of Reuben Jamison and Retta Mae (Starkey) Woodward.

Milton attended Quinter High School and went on to graduate from Beloit Vocational College with studies in agriculture and animal husbandry.

After college, Milton joined the Brethren Volunteer Service and worked in New Windsor, Maryland, for two years, where he found his love of carpentry. Milton worked for 27 years with the Kansas Department of Transportation in WaKeeney, Kansas, and Formation Plastics in Quinter, Kansas. Milton moved out to his farm in WaKeeney, KS, in 1979 and farmed for more than 20 years.

Milton is best remembered for his many exceptional talents. He loved to garden and made pickles out of just about anything he grew. He made home-cranked ice cream, adapting the recipe for the family favorite, graham cracker ice cream, and many other flavors. He was a gifted baker, creating many memorable birthday cakes for his family as well as elaborate anniversary and wedding cakes. He was always very gracious in sharing his talents and put his love into everything he created.

He was an exceptional carpenter with abilities that often didn’t seem like they should be possible. His skills were well known in the area, and he often took on both large and small jobs in the area where his craftsmanship can be seen such as kitchen and office remodels. Most recent and notable are the custom bar and tables he built for The Prairie Rose Inn, some of which were made by recycling the old doors and door jambs of the former Trego Manor. While at Formation Plastics, he created some useful inventions like plastic sleds, drip catchers, and games, and created thousands of intricate mold templates and jigs.

Milton and Jeri started their Cottonwood Creations business in 2016, where they made home decor items out of the cottonwood trees found on the family farm. His craftsmanship and imagination can be seen in the hundreds of candle holders, signs, lamps, coasters, tables, and adorable wooden animal figures that he made alongside Jeri. Their work can be found on display in the homes of hundreds of happy customers.

His home and family were his first love, though. He was happy and fun-loving, bringing much joy and love to his family and everyone he touched, making their lives brighter for having been around him. Despite his many projects, he was never too busy to stop and help whenever he saw a need.

Milton was united in marriage to Carlene (Butcher) Jamison on June 3, 1972, and they were married for 21 years until her passing. God blessed them with seven children, six sons, and a daughter. On June 5th, 2004, Milton was married to Jeri (Loflin) Jamison, and together they blended their families into one.

Milton is survived by his wife Jeri, his mother Retta Mae Woodward, Quinter, nine children, Jason Jamison, Abilene; Troy (Tracey) Jamison, Overland Park; Aaron (Amy Jo) Jamison, Louisburg; Scott (Michelle) Jamison; Bryan (Margie) Jamison, Olathe; Kassy (Zabu) Nyirenda, Overland Park; Daniel (Amber) Irwin, Hays; Jami "Krista" (Michael) Ryce, Kansas City; Chad Jamison, Dublin and fifteen grandchildren, Caleb Jamison, Rylee Jamison, Ryan Jamison, Trenton Jamison, Austin Jamison, Andrew Jamison, Aspenn Jamison, Ryley Gautney, Christian Sigle, Kylan Huntley, Liam Jamison, Brecklyn Nyirenda, Bryce Irwin, Briley Irwin, Kaylee Ryce, sisters Verla (Asa) McFadden, Marsha Jamison, and brother Wesley (Eby) Jamison.

Milton was preceded in death by his wife Carlene Jamison, his father, Reuben Jamison, and his stepfather, Earl Woodward.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Church of the Brethren, Quinter, Kansas. Pastor Keith will be officiating. A burial will follow at Ogallah, KS.

The visitation will be Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the churches where Milton was a member, Ogallah Christian Church, Ogallah, Kansas, or Church of the Brethren, Quinter, Kansas. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.