4/14/1930 ~ 5/04/2021
Ramon Clyde Butts, of Kearney, MO passed away May 4, 2021.
Ramon was born April 14, 1930 in Springfield, MO to William and Grayce Butts (Sharp). After high school, Ramon attended Drury College, transferring to Southwest Missouri University, majoring in engineering and architecture. Ramon moved to Joplin, MO in 1950 and transferred to Kansas State University at Pittsburg, KS. He majored in psychology. Then, answering the call to ministry, took an appointment at Royal Heights United Methodist Church. It was there that he met the love of his life, Martha Lee Cole. They were married on June 4, 1953 and went on to have three children, Paul, Steve, and Rama.
During that time, he attended and graduated from St. Paul School of Theology and pastored several churches in the Missouri West conference as well as holding a position in the Conference Office, overseeing youth camping programs. A highlight of Ramon’s ministry was performing countless marriages over his 45 years of service. He retired from Liberty United Methodist Church, Liberty, MO in 1995, but continued his ministry filling interim positions when needed and being a guest speaker from time to time.
Ramon was a loving and devoted husband and father. He not only raised his own children but helped to shape the lives of many other young people, working with youth groups, church camps, and the Boy Scouts of America. Ramon was an active member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, volunteered with Martha at Liberty Hospital for 21 years, loved creating stained glass pieces, hiking in the Colorado mountains, and camping. Ramon was well loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Ramon was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred, brother Bill, and beloved wife Martha.
Survivors include his sons, Paul Butts and Steve and Terri Butts; daughter, Rama and Alan Box; grandchildren, Chris and Tippi Butts, Jennifer Butts, Nathan and Brittany Box, Garrett and Klorissa Box, Keith and Amy McMillan, and Matt and Jennifer McMillan; and his great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney, MO. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry for your family’s loss.
Kim White
My sympathy to Rama, Stevie, and Paul. I’ve known the family since we all were young. Ramon and Martha were close friends of Mom and Dad (John and NIta Hillebrand). Ramon married Joe and I. He and Martha will always hold a very special place in my heart. I’m so sorry!
Barbara Hillebrand Trapp
Ramon and I were classmates at St. Paul. He was also a friend.
Dr. Paul C. Collins
My condolences to your family. I was blessed to have Pastor Butts in my life when he preached in Cameron. He was an absolute blessing from God.
Rob Williams
We loved having Ramon as our pastor at Liberty United Methodist. Sorry for your loss.
Sharon Kosa
Ramon was always a “breath of fresh air” in my life. I am thankful for the opportunity to know and work with him.
Hubert Neth
My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve the loss of your loved one. I hope that as your family processes this loss, you can walk through it together. May you also find comfort in the memories you shared with him.
Prayers,
Marla
I just learned of Ramon’s passing. I knew something was off on earth. I just can’t imagine this planet without him. Your father holds a special place in so many hearts. He was very close to my own dad, he baptized my daughter and was minister at Liberty when I was Director of the PDO there. I consider him a good friend. Please know my heart goes out to you all.
Julie Miller
