Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
We lost a good friend in Kosciusko County recently.
Gene “Buddy” Butts, 94 years young, was in a tragic accident as his soul entered eternity on Aug. 12. A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, he was an educator, coach and official. But more than that he was a good man who loved his Savior, community and family.
Gene received many accolades over the years for his service, most notably for being an IHSAA umpire for 55 years and inducted into their Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013. Gene always had a smile and would greet people with a handshake saying, “Gene Butts, Warsaw.” If ever there was an ambassador for this area it was “Buddy.”
The last time I saw Gene was at Capstone Church on a Sunday morning. His face was beaming as he sat on the front row and we talked for a few moments. Always positive. Always uplifting. He was a man who was driven to make an impact on his community which he did with countless people.
Gene thought he would live to be 100 but his eye was also on the hereafter, trusting Christ as His Lord and Savior.
A quote was put on his memorial card from Billy Sunday, “When the great Umpire of the Universe makes the final call, will He find you Safe at Home or Out for all Eternity?”
We don’t know when we may be called from this earth but make sure you are ready through the Way, the Truth and Life … Jesus Christ!
Ken Locke is corps administrator of The Salvation Army in Warsaw and director of the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association. Have ideas for this column? Go to www.gwma.info.
