Roy "Butch" J. Manharth

Being a protector at heart, he spent his life ensuring his family’s wellbeing. He had a love for children so great that he played a significant role in raising his nieces and nephews and making certain that they were safe and cared for.

Roy “Butch” Jonathan Manharth was born on July 10, 1944 in Kearney Nebraska. He was the oldest of his parents’ 5 children with brother Jimmy Lee after him, twins Rickey Jay and Vickey Gay to follow, and last but not least, his baby sister Sherry Sue was born to complete their family growing up.

Butch and his brothers worked the family business cutting and delivering firewood as young boys.

Butch was drafted to war at the tender age of 18. He received numerous awards during his time in the army including a Purple Heart, good conduct, two tours in Vietnam, rifle marksman, and a national defense service medal. He left the military with the rank of SP4 in 1967.

Upon returning home from combat, Butch greeted his youngest sister, Sherry, at her school, in uniform. This is one of Sherry’s fondest memories of her oldest brother. Shortly thereafter, Butch moved back to home with his brother Jimmy and his wife Juanita where he was introduced to the love of his life and future wife Kathleen Maxfield.

Butch and Kathy had a love unlike any other. He cherished every moment spent with his wife. The two were inseparable. As Kathy’s health declined, Butch devoted every waking moment to her care. Butch and Kathy could never have any children of their own, but they spent their time taking looking after multiple nieces and nephew and treated them as their own. Even after Kathy’s passing, he continued to care for his family by any means necessary. Sometimes it was taking kids to and from school, helping fix cars, or just listening when someone needed an ear.

Years later, he moved in with his mother to help care for her. His youngest sister and her two children moved into the house as well. During that time, they all took care of one another. He helped raise his niece and nephew and always made sure his little sister was taking care of herself as well. They had an incredible bond that lasted until his passing.

He was a selfless man who will be forever missed. Butch will forever be known for his hard work, caring nature, and overly embellished stories.

Butch passed away on January 4, 2021 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Roy and Gracie Lee Manharth; brother, Rickey Manharth; wife, Kathleen Manharth; brother-in-law, Leonard Strider; brother-in-law, Robert Shepherd; nephew, Ricky Shepherd; and great-nephew, Evan R. Shepherd. He is survived by his brother, Jimmy Lee Manharth and wife Juanita; sister, Vickey Gay and husband Mel; sister, Sherry Sue; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.