Lewis Butts

Lewis Ray Butts, age 83, passed this life on Dec. 31, 2011 in Clinton, OK. He was born Feb. 29th, 1928 in El Dorado Springs, MO to Solomon Enoch Butts and Amanda Marie (Dale) Butts. He served in the Navy during WWII and received an Honorable Discharge. He married Iola Louise Gloden on 19 Jun 1945 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX which ended in a divorce. They had five children. Then he married Viola Ellen Fenton on 10 Aug 1955 in Nevada, MO. They had seven children. He was also married to Zoe Ann (Smith) Thornton and helped raise her four children: Warren, Cliss, Melanie, and Tommy Thornton. He worked at the United States Post office in San Antonio, TX and then as an automotive mechanic, body and fender repairman; a bakery deliver business; and lastly in the shoe, boot and saddle repair trade. He never had a formal education but was quick to learn. Lewis owned several businesses and enjoyed being his own boss. He taught his children how to work as they helped him in his business ventures. Lewis followed his dreams and took his family to live in many places across the western United States. After moving from Missouri to California, he joined The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints which he belonged to the rest of his life. He was a faithful member and rejoiced when his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren followed his lead. He loved to do genealogy, gardening, and watching movies. He especially loved John Wayne movies. Preceded in death by his parents: Solomon Enoch Butts & Amanda Marie (Dale) Butts, Step-Mother; Wanda Lucille (Russell) Butts, two brothers: Eugene Edward Butts, San Antonio TX, Junior Wayne Butts, Columbus GA, one sister; Erma Maxine Martin, Cincinnati OH; and two sons, one stillborn and Lewis Ray Butts. Surviving is wife; Viola (Fenton) Butts, Okarchee OK, and the following children: Edanna (Ransom) Park, Louise Butts of Natalia TX, Dan (Arlene) of Devine TX, Pamela (Douglas) Brillhart, Wichita KS, Jerry (Mary) Butts, Norman OK, Brenda (Brad) Hummer, Ault CO, Maxine (Tony) Davis, Fremont NC, Terry (Jennifer) Benton, Yelm WA, Merry (Arturo) Torres, Oklahoma City OK, and Ray (JoAnne) Butts, Payson UT. At his death he had 33 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lewis Butts please visit our Sympathy Store.