Richard Leo Kretchmar

Richard (Butch) Kretchmar went home to heaven on October 9, 2020. He was born October 23, 1945 in Enid, OK to Raymond and Pauline Kretchmar who preceded him in death. Little did they know at the time, but they had just provided a life-long bestie to their daughter, Butch’s older sister, Janet Lowry. Together, they were a pain in the backside to their older brother Robert Kretchmar, and all were completely devoted to their baby sister Sylvia who also preceded him in death.

He was devoted to his wife, Mary, from that fateful day she drenched him in grape slush in Pittsburg, KS where they were both students. They were married in September 1965 and started their family immediately. All told they had three children, Jeff (Valerie), Susie Killgore (David), and Katie McDo

nald (Joe). The kids were spoiled rotten, but learned about a life well lived through his work ethic, generous spirit, and strong faith in God and humanity. Always prepared with a dirty joke, a Bud Light, and a well-done steak, Butch welcomed countless people into his home and his life.

In 1967 Raymond and Butch started Ray’s Electric. Ever since, Butch has been tormenting, mentoring, and otherwise bringing young men into his family through employment at Ray’s Electric. He expected a lot from his team, like his own children, but would do anything for them and always wanted the best for them. In 2012 Ray’s Electric was combined with Lowry Electric, and Butch and his sister Janet became legit business partners. It is truly a family business. All of the family has worked there at some point, and his son Jeff has become the third generation of leadership.

Butch is survived by his wife and children, along with seven grandchildren that kept him young-at-heart because they are as ornery as he was! Kendall Pulliam (Katie), Cody Kretchmar, Kaylee Killgore, Kyle Killgore (Sara), Keylan Killgore (Colleen), Jackson McDonald, and Christian McDonald. He also had three great-granddaughters, Kendall’s Lila Setzkorn, and Savvy Pulliam, and Kaylee’s Lilee Killgore. His family was the light of his life, and he brought joy and laughter to every gathering, albeit in his grumpy, “get me a beer but don’t tell your mom” sort of way, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Butch loved baseball and softball, and spent countless hours tending the fields where his children played. The yard at home was full of weeds and stickers, but hey, you can’t have everything! He coached a team for his daughter, Susie, and has loved watching all of his kids and several grandkids play through the years.

He also loved cars. Butch had a red convertible that he rubbed with a diaper on a regular basis, and after he could no longer drive, he spent time causing trouble with his grandsons, riding shotgun in his car. Recently, his grandpa’s “old gray Dodge” was restored. You should have seen the light in his eyes when he saw it for the first time. He loved helping to work on his grandson Cody’s race car, and dragged Mary along to countless races around the country.

Butch will be terribly missed by all that knew and loved him, but we are happy that his suffering has ended. He has been united with the Lord in Heaven, and all of his loved ones who went there before him. Here’s to you, Butch! We love you!