Kenneth Floyd Butler

Kenneth Butler was born May 2, 1930 in Matheson, CO, the fifth of seven children born to Jesse and Alice Butler. His family lived, ranched, and farmed on the eastern plains and in the central mountains of Colorado. He spoke fondly of their time spent in Cotopaxi. After graduating from Calhan High School in 1948 he continued to work on the family farm and found other work where he could, including a summer spent in Idaho building houses with a family friend. He was a farm boy through and through --- able to build or fix just about anything as well as treat injured or sick animals, large and small. He loved horses and always handled them with a firm, yet compassionate hand.

Kenneth married the true love of his life, Catherine Bozick, on September 6, 1953. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted by the Army and served in Korea 1954-1956. Upon returning home to his bride, he began an apprenticeship in the sheet metal trade. Kenneth excelled at the work and stayed in the trade – working primarily at Heyse’s Sheet Metal. Known as “Kenny B” to his co-workers he made many dear and life-long friends there.

Kenneth and Catherine welcomed their first child, Mike, into their lives in August 1957 and bought their first home in Colorado Springs in 1958. By 1964, their family included daughters Julie, Carla, and Laura. The house “grew”, too, as Kenneth built an addition onto it to accommodate the needs of his rapidly growing family.

Each year he had two weeks of vacation. In the summer, Kenneth devoted one week to a family vacation. He instilled in his family the importance of togetherness as well as respect and appreciation of nature and the outdoors. Camping trip destinations included Glenwood Springs, Mesa Verde, the Great Sand Dunes, and Mt. Princeton (which was also a favorite day trip spot). Kenneth reserved the other week for hunting… with his brothers, son, nephews, and friends. Many stories were born in hunting camp and most were happily recounted year after year.

Kenneth was very athletic and played different sports throughout his life --- Baseball was his favorite! He also encouraged his kids to participate in sports of their choice. He and Catherine spent countless hours in the stands watching games and events. Always fair-minded and a believer in team play and good sportsmanship, he fostered the same in his family.

In December 1981, Kenneth suffered the tragic loss of his precious Catherine. His life dramatically changed and, after a few years, a new chapter began for him. In August 1984, he married Louise Graves. For 33 years he shared life with Louise and her sons Brent (Brooke) and Scott (Rose). Ken and Louise resided near Divide, CO, spending the winter months in Apache Junction, AZ. After retirement, Ken began using his skill in metal work to create beautiful copper water fountains and home decorations. He also continued to remodel and build on to his and Louise’s homes. They enjoyed working together to create gardens, landscapes, and walkways. A devoted husband, Kenneth stayed by Louise’s side until she succumbed to Alzheimer’s in June 2017.

A very independent man, Kenneth chose to reside in an assisted living center in Colorado Springs until his own illnesses overtook him in November 2020. Full circle, he came back to his family and was cared for by his daughters and son-in-law Allen until he passed on January 18, 2021. Kenneth Floyd Butler left this earthly life under the bright stars of the mountain night sky. Rest peacefully, Dad, you are home with the Lord now.

A private inurnment will be held February 3, 2021 and for his many extended family members and friends a celebration of Kenneth’s life will be scheduled on a later date. Please visit DignityMemorial.com for more information.

KENNETH FLOYD BUTLER FAMILY

[Children]

Mike Butler (Deborah Parente).

Julie L. Kerby (Allen Kerby);

Brian Crow (Mandi Hillenbrand);

Skyla, Ashlin, Kayli, Emma.

Carla J. Gossage (Steve Gossage);

Eric Gossage (Kristi Gossage);

Nadilyn, Maxine, Layke, Eric. Jr., Penelope.

Kevin Gossage (Valerie Gossage);

Taylor, Kinsley.

Laura M. Sandoval (Eric Ringler);

Heather Sandoval (James Jernigan);

Jaisyn, Camryn.

Jacquelyn Rochell (Jesse Rochell);

Jayla, Jayden.

Nathan Sandoval (Amy Hunter).

[Siblings]

Virgil Butler (Barbara);

Ward Butler (Junia);

Norma Butler Carter (Richard);

Dean Butler (Juanita);

Roxy Ann Butler Hess (John);

Joyce Butler Goldsmith.

[Parents]

Jesse & Alice Butler

Preceded in death by:

Catherine M. Butler,

Louise G. Graves,

Virgil Butler,

Ward Butler,

Dean Butler,

Roxy Ann Butler Hess,

Jesse & Alice Butler.

Donations: Alzheimer’s Association