Harold William "Bill" Butler

Harold William “Bill” Butler, passed away, March 5, 2026, in Abilene, Texas at the age of 89. He was born November 22, 1936, in Lexington, Missouri, the son of Harold Woodrow and Laura Jane Wernwag Butler.

Bill’s early years were shaped by the deep bond he shared with his father, grandfather, and uncles, who left a lasting impression on his heart. Raised in rural Missouri, the values of hard work and resilience became a guiding force in his life, leading him into a variety of agricultural roles. A true cowboy at heart, Bill dedicated much of his life to the land and livestock he loved.

Driven by a strong sense of duty, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army as a young man and was stationed in Iceland during the Cold War. After his military service, he continued his work in agriculture, became a ranch foreman on the Abel ranch, self-employed farmer and rancher, selling liquid feed and later serving as a crop insurance adjuster until his retirement. After retiring, Bill found joy in mule riding with his coffee club, a group of friends his family affectionately called the “Liar’s Club.”

In 1960, Bill met Sandra Yvonne Shelton and knew quickly that she was the one. Just three weeks after they met, he proposed; they were married three months later, on June 17, in Independence, Missouri. Their love story became the foundation of a life filled with devotion, laughter, and family.

Family was the center of Bill’s world. He proudly followed his children’s every activity, wearing out more than a few vehicles in the process. His dedication as a husband and father was unwavering.

In his later years, Bill found a deep and abiding faith that brought him great comfort and strength. It became a vital part of his journey and sustained him through his final days. Bill was a steady, hardworking man with a heart full of love for his family and a quiet strength that guided them through life. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, loyalty, and grit will live on in all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his children, Brad (Kay Dawne) Butler of Abilene, TX, Shelly (Steve) Debenham of Abilene, KS, and Sharlet (Denver) Gulley of Mountain Home, AR; sister, Carla (John) Behee of Independence, MO; brothers-in-law, Eddie (Maggie) Shelton, Albert Graham, and Eldon Shelton; grandchildren, Nathan (Klarissa) Lundquist and their children, Kyran, Charlie, Kimber, Joey, Shelton, and Bailee. Natalie (Camie) Garvey, Brian (Casey) Lundquist and their son, Jackson, Shelbi (Quentin) Bearden and their children, Casen, Rylan, Christian, Riggs, and Harold (Haze), Audye (Eric) Gonzalez and their daughters, Lillian and Olivia, and Jake (Mary) Butler and their children, Sawyer and Stella; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Sandra Butler; brother, David; sister, Carol Anne Smith; granddaughter, Lillian Butler; and great-granddaughter, Kenna Lundquist.

Memorials can be made in Bill’s name to the Grain Valley Alumni, P.O. Box 217, Grain Valley, MO, 64029.

Bill and Sandra will be laid to rest together on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 10:00 am at Appleton Cemetery, Minneola, Kansas with Pastor Edward Shelton officiating.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.

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