Elster Butts, 82, of Mountain Grove, was born July 15, 1939, in Huggins, to the late Ezra and Mildred (Varnell) Butts. He was called to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at TCMH with family at his side.
On June 2, 1962, he married the love of his life, Grace Babbitt, and they shared 59 years of marriage together. To this union three children were born, Harold, Karla, and Kirby. Elster faithfully served his Lord since the time of his salvation at a young age. When the Lord called him to be a deacon, he took it seriously and wanted to do all he could for the Lord. Elster and Grace are longtime members of Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church. Some of Elster’s last words were, “We have to leave it in God’s hands.”
Elster dearly loved his family. He has blessed his wife and children with precious memories. He loved spending time with his family on vacations, picnics and singing while cutting wood. He made every mundane task fun. Elster was a very giving and generous person and never expected anything in return. He was a diesel mechanic for many years.
One memory stands out. When Mt. Pisgah took a trip to the Passion Play, Elster took his own vehicle and loaded it up with his tools just in case. The bus broke down on the way home, and through his mechanical knowledge, he was able to fix the bus and got everyone home safely.
Elster leaves behind his wife, Grace; son, Harold Butts and wife, Sheri, of Springfield; daughter, Karla Swisher and husband, Jeff, of Wentworth; son, Kirby Butts, of Mountain Grove; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Butts, Deanna Wright, Emily Swisher, Kirstie Swisher, Ethan Butts, Nate Butts, Travis Butts and Cheyenne Butts; two great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Crowe and husband, Bob, of Mountain Grove; and numerous other dear family and friends who will miss him.
Funeral Services for Elster Butts were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. The Rev. Justin Lawson served as the officiant. Special songs were “Scars In Heaven,” “Looking For A City” and “I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About To Happen.” Jacob Lawson, Dale Melton, Isaac Wright, Jamie Lane and Allen Melton served as pallbearers.
Burial was in the Providence Cemetery in Cabool. Services were under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com
