Butch was born on June 30, 1953, the first child of the large brood of Holcomb brothers and sisters. He spent his early days fishing, hunting, enjoying nature and generally raising hell. He had his first child, Candace, in 1976. Around that time, he went to work for a small Kansas City remodeling company called Home-Rite. In a tale as old as time, he fell in love with the owner’s daughter Debra. They married and carried the business forward together for more than 30 years. Devoted to each other in life and work, Debra would design home plans and Butch would bring those plans to life. It was a match made in heaven that brought beauty and happiness into people’s homes.
The phrase should have been “Butch of all trades” (not Jack), because there wasn’t a home challenge Butch couldn’t solve or a plan he couldn’t build. He was a master plumber, electrician, finish remodeler and brilliant craftsman. Butch’s artistic talent was rare and magical. Together with Debra, they were an unstoppable duo … and they played as hard as they worked.
In 1981, Debra gave birth to Nicholas Wayne. They always referred to the children as “yours, mine and ours” (Candace, Merritt and Nick).
Butch and Debra believed that life is short and to live each day to the fullest. They carried out that philosophy with frequent parties and lots of revelry, earning him the nickname of “Chief Crazy Horse.” He loved his Milwaukee’s Best, “the Beast,” Jack Daniel’s and cheap cigarettes. Yes, Butch lived life on his own terms.
He loved playing pool (and sweeping the table with an ornery grin), going to the casino, soaking up the sun, cracking a cold one and listening to his tunes. He was happiest at home enjoying simple things with Debra and friends and family. He will be remembered for the help, wisdom and love he shared freely with anyone who needed it. He was quick with a smile and put everyone around him at ease.
Losing Debra in 2013 (also to lung cancer) dealt a major blow to Butch. He spent his remaining years taking on a few smaller projects, listening to sports radio, keeping track of weather reports (lovingly but obnoxiously warning his children about weather events) and watching YouTube. There will be no funeral service because, well, Butch hated funerals. The family is planning a celebration of Butch and Debra’s lives in 2022, when the dust settles on COVID, per his wishes. Trust there will be an open bar!
Butch leaves behind so many people who loved him, including his daughter Candace, his son Nick, stepdaughter Merritt and four grandchildren (Alexis, Jackson, Angela and Seth); siblings, Mike Holcomb and wife Julie; Donna Hinnen; Stephen Holcomb; Stephanie Holcomb; Danny Holcomb; Angie White; his aunt Pat Holcomb; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Jane Panknin, as well as longtime family friend Karla Kass. He was preceded in death by his wife Debra; parents Donald and Estelle Holcomb; his in-laws (who were like second parents to him) Jerry and Jody Panknin; and brother Bo Holcomb.
Also grieving is “The Dude,” his fluffy cat which he named after The Big Lebowski. The Dude held vigil at the foot of his bed and on his chest in his final days, bringing him great comfort and also a few laughs.
In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, his family believes it most fitting to simply raise a glass to the life of Butch Holcomb and all the joy he brought to the world. Cheers, Butch!
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