Howard Earl Butts of Cabool, MO went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the age of 71. He was born on November 24, 1942 near Cabool, MO the son of Earl and Erma (Estep) Butts.

Howard was united in marriage to Barbara Zook and to this union five children were born, Jeffery, Tracy, Samuel, Timothy and Eva. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1963 to 1984, when he received his honorable discharge and retired from his career in the military. Howard then returned to Cabool and went to work at Dairy Farmers of America where he remained until retirement.

He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, taking photos, road trips and going to church. At the time of his passing, Howard was a member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church and especially enjoyed being active with the church family.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and an infant son, Jeffery. He is survived by his parents, Earl and Erma Butts of Cabool, MO; four children, Tracy Gerkey and husband, Tim of Springfield, MO, Samuel Butts of Cabool, MO, Timothy Butts of Cabool, MO and Eva Cox and husband, Brad of Springfield, MO; his sister, Lea Harmon and husband, Max of Cabool, MO; brother-in-law, Gary Zook of Mtn. Grove, MO; five grandchildren, David Gerkey of Ohio, Jillian Gerkey of Springfield, MO, Kevin Butts and wife, Katie of South Carolina, Taylor and Brandon Cox of Springfield, MO and April Rickerson of Hermitage; three great grandchildren, Johnathon, Nicholas and Brodie Carothers of Pittsburg; a nephew, Jason Harmon and wife, Catrina of Texas; as well as many other relatives, friends and his military family.