King-Lynk Funeral Home obituary - Ronnie L. Butler, 67, Montrose

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Ronnie Lee Butler,67, of Montrose, Iowa died due to complications caused by the freaking coronavirus on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.In his final moments of a bravely fought battle, he was surrounded by love and his children at his side.

    He was born at Graham Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa on Saturday, January 31, 1953; the first born child of John Robert Butler and Sylvia Marie Krouse Butler of Luray, Missouri.   A member of Wyaconda (Missouri) High School’s graduating class of 1971, Ron held dear to his heart the time spent with his school mates and their many class reunions.  He was a forklift driver at Fruehauf Trailer Corporation (1974-1996), Wabash National Corporation (1996-2001) and retired from Scotts Miracle Gro Corporation in 2018 after 15 years of service. 

  If the measure of a man is found in what he leaves behind, Ron was a giant.  His large, loving and high functioning blended family and their traditions meant the world to him. He leaves behind many heavy hearts, including five daughters and one son: his eldest child, a Daughter, Dana (Troy) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri; and their two sons, Carson and Dalton Smith; Daughter, Melinda Worley of Montrose, Iowa; Daughter, Veronica (Joe) Lestina of Fort Madison, Iowa; and their two children, Joseph and Jovie Lestina; Daughter, Rebecca (Daniel Morgan) Butler of Montrose, Iowa; a Son, Zeb Butler, and his favorite daughter in law, Kayla of Keokuk, Iowa; and their two children, Maysen and Brinkley Butler; Daughter, Rachel (Jake) Bunker of Quincy, Illinois; a Sister, Sheila (Stan) Jenkins of Luray, Missouri; and his nieces Pam (Wes) Jensen, Amanda (Richie) Webster, and Kimberly (Keane) Morrison; and lifelong friends and mother to five of his children, Wilma and Wendell Smith of Montrose, Iowa, with whom he co-parented with long before such a label was mainstream, and many more dear relatives and loyal friends.

   He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Steve and Irene Butler & David and Betty Krouse; parents, John and Sylvia; his younger brother, Kenny Butler; his best friend, Ray “Razor”Garnett, and many more dearly departed family and friends.

   Late in life, Ron adopted four babies that remained in his care until the end: a white 1964 Ford Falcon convertible; a red 1965 Ford Falcon convertible; a red 1964 Ford Ranchero; and a 1967 Mercury Cyclone GT black  convertible. Driving and competing in classic car shows was one of his most treasured hobbies. 

   An active outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting and exercising his second amendment right, playing horse shoes, shooting pool and listening to good music. When he was not dedicated to the sidelines attending the sporting games of his grandchildren, he was often found cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals. Ron was a social butterfly and notorious prankster with a penchant for making others laugh. He was most often found with a smile on his face and an ornery sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes.

    He promoted the philosophy that one should not take life too seriously, especially in the midst of 2020, when life all too often sucks. Ron relished holidays, family traditions, western movies, inappropriate jokes and tomatoes. 

   For those wishing to pay their respects and bid a final “10-4” farewell to Ron, services will be held at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow in Montrose Cemetery.  The family will meet with friends from 1-3 PM at King-Lynk Funeral Home on Sunday, November 29, 2020.  The family encourages those attending the service to wear team gear for the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals in honor of Ron.

   Memorials may be made to the Ronnie Butler memorial fund and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.

King-Lynk Funeral Home obituary, Montrose, Pen City Current, Ronnie L. Butler