Dawn Thomas Boteler

Dawn Thomas Boteler, 79, of Harvey, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by the family he devoted his life to building and loving.

Born on July 27, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dawn was the son of the late Leonard and Catherine Boteler. A devout Catholic, his faith was the foundation beneath everything he built, every hand he shook, and every person he welcomed through his doors.

Dawn proudly served in the Louisiana National Guard before beginning a career that reflected his restless ambition and work ethic. He started as a machinist, then built his own construction company from the ground up. In 1984, Dawn opened the Best Western Westbank, running it alongside his wife and family for 35 years until his retirement in 2019. His commitment to excellence earned him recognition as a Best Western Governor, one of the brand's highest honors. When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Dawn opened his doors to those in need and was later honored by the American Red Cross for his efforts during the storm. More than a business, the hotel became a home for the people who worked there and a source of pride for the Westbank.

In his later years, Dawn could be found in his garden, brush in hand at a canvas, traveling with his family, or cheering on the Saints with the same energy he brought to everything else.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda J. Boteler; his children Jamie Boteler (Stefani) and Stephanie Boteler Self (Jerry); his grandchildren Ashley Boteler Abreu, Jamie Boteler Jr., Alex Boteler, Anthony Boteler, Blake Flood, Stella Flood, and Landon Self; and his great-grandchildren Elizabeth Abreu, Bennet Boteler, and Leilani Trahan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandchild the late Alexandra Boteler; his great-grandchild the late Kelvin Abreu; his siblings the late Ramona Jeanfreau and the late Donald Boteler; and is also survived by his siblings Daniel Boteler (Kathy) and David Boteler (Tammy).

Dawn leaves behind not just a legacy of hard work and faith, but a family that is larger, stronger, and better because he was in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation or the American Diabetes Association in Dawn's memory.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, Louisiana on Friday April 17, 2026 beginning at 10:30AM until 1PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 1PM. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, Louisiana. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.mothefunerals.com