Carl O'Dell McCarthy II

Carl O'Dell "Butch" McCarthy II, was born January 15, 1941, in Erie, Colorado, and passed away peacefully in his home on May 19, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by family. Butch was the son of Carl O'Dell "Mac" McCarthy and Burnette Maie "Bee" McCarthy, and the younger brother of Burnette Maie "Bunny" McCarthy.

While Butch was a young boy, the McCarthys moved from Erie to their family cabin in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, where he spent his youth hunting and fishing. He also worked alongside his father, developing skills that would serve him throughout his life; he developed a passion for construction, tinkering, and fixing model trains which was able to be translated later into larger engines and tractor/RV repairs.

In his teens, Butch moved to Greeley, Colorado, where he attended Greeley High School. He was an active member of the wrestling team, where he proudly lettered in the sport. While he was in school, he stayed with family friends but spent many weekends in Red Feather Lake, where he continued to assist his parents with their work.

In 1963, the family moved to Hudson, Colorado, where he met Donna McClure, and on September 14, 1963, they married in Fort Collins, Colorado. In early 1964, Butch, his parents, and his wife Donna, moved to Pritchett, Colorado, where they opened McCarthy’s Café as a family-run restaurant. In 1965, Butch and Donna welcomed their first child, Carl O'Dell "Trey" McCarthy III and in 1967, they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Shannon Kathleen McCarthy.

That same year, Butch began his career as a firefighter for the Fort Collins Fire Department, selflessly dedicating his service from July 1965 to December 1977. Over the course of twelve years, he rose to the rank of lieutenant, further highlighting his dedication and leadership. Moreover, he also owned and operated a handyman repair and asphalt striping businesses while also dedicating time at KC Motors where he serviced RV's and boats.

Shortly before his divorce in 1977, Butch moved with his family to a ranch-style house that was readily equipped with acreage, and several animals such as horses, goats, and geese, that proved to provide his family with new opportunities and endless memories; his home eventually grew to become a meaningful space for his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

In 1980, he met Marg McCarthy and on July 3, 1980, they were married in Wellington, Colorado, and he proudly stepped up and took on the role as a stepfather to Jeannie Elizabeth Jett.

During the early 1990’s, he was employed by the Poudre School District as a plumber, dedicating over 20 years of service. His expertise in handywork and craftsmanship empowered him to receive employee of the year in 1991. In 2003, he and his wife, Marg, received an unexpected phone call from Laura Bush, inviting them to Easter Egg celebration in Washington, DC.

Beyond his work, Butch had a love for dancing, including 2-step and even learned to square dance. He had a passion for camping and boating and was also an avid animal lover, which enabled him to invest time to the Save the Greyhound program, where he was able to rescue and adopt several dogs. Additionally, Butch was a member of the Fidelity Lodge, where he continued to serve his community.

Butch’s greatest legacy is his family; he is survived by his wife, Marg McCarthy, his children, Trey, Shannon, and his stepdaughter Jeannie, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Bunny and her family.