Everett E. "Butch" Warren, 77, of Mentone, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 19th, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on June 20, 1947, in Warsaw, Ind., to Everett Andrew and Francis L. Brown Warren. On August 22, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sylvia Diane Barnhart, who survives.
At the young age of 16, he joined the fire service, which would become a lifelong commitment and he held various ranks over the course of 60+ years, including the rank of fire chief for the community of Mentone. Butch was an influential instructor within the fire service teaching generations of firefighters. He also served as the president of the Kosciusko County Fire Association. He was acknowledged for his dedication and service by being awarded numerous awards but his greatest reward was the many friendships created along the way.
Butch was a graduate of Mentone High School, class of 1965, where he participated in various sports and went on to coach his kids and later showed support for his grandkids and great-grandkids in their various athletics.
He worked for Midwest Spring of Mentone for 44 years and was very appreciative that it enabled him to serve his community as needed.
He was captain of Team Indiana Muzzleloader Shooting Club and was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Other passions were woodworking and teaching his craftsmanship to all who asked. He enjoyed traveling our beautiful United States. He fondly spoke of vacations taken with family and friends to National Parks (his favorite place being Yellowstone), historical points of interest and even Disney parks where he enjoyed making memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a proud family man, and great friend to many. He truly enjoyed spending time with loved ones and friends, always demonstrating humor, love and support. He is survived by his three children: Kreg (Rhonda) Warren, Shelli Butt (Scott Herrell), Kris (Jill) Warren. Eight grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jordan) Littlejohn, Ashton (Jeff) Himes, Karleigh Warren (Jacob Carson), Cortnee (Chad) Montgomery, Ryan (Sami) Butt, Arika Warren, Jordan (Rachel) Thomas and Dominic (Leah) Thomas. Eight great-grandkids: Nolan and Gryffin Littlejohn, Addison Himes, Madelynn and Benton Montgomery, Riley Butt, David and James Thomas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Carolyn Hartman, two nephews and many friends who he has greatly missed.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, Ind., with Pastor Rick Hurley officiating. The interment will take place following the service in the Palestine Cemetery, Palestine, Ind.
Visitation hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at King Memorial Home, Mentone, Ind., with a Fireman’s Service taking place at 7 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to Beaver Dam Community Church or to Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com