Ward "Sonny" Royal Butler

Ward "Sonny" Royal Butler, 87 of Calvert City, Kentucky passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Calvert City Nursing and Rehab where he was recovering from recent hospitalizations.

Sonny was born in Gilbertsville, KY on August 24, 1937.  His parents were William Hastings Butler and Ivalena Dunn Butler.  Sonny adored his twin daughters and loved sending monthly "Granddad" cards to his nine grandkids.  He also enjoyed watching UK basketball, discussing current events, reading and studying the Bible, and was always willing to help others.  In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching girls softball, fishing, and volunteering to transport veterans on the VA van. 

His occupations included plant maintenance for Air Products & Chemicals inc. in Calvert City, and prior to that he worked as an iron worker.

One of his favorite Bible verses was Romans 10:13 "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  This verse inspired him to share the good news of Jesus with people he loved.    

He is survived by his daughters, Rena Gaye Rawlings of Chesapeake, VA, and Tina Raye Keller (Scott) of Tulsa, OK; one sister, Doris Ellington of Calvert City; nine grandchildren, Kayla Burke (Danny), Kari Malara (Jordan), Chad Keller (Grace), Alexis Millhouse (Cooper), Kelli Keller, Ricky Rawlings, Bret Rawlings (Claire), Logan Rawlings, Kristi Keller; three great-grandchildren, Beckham Millhouse, Kennedy Millhouse and Harper Grace Malara.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Butler; sisters, Tessi Gordon and Hazel Barrett; and son-in-law, Marshall Todd Rawlings.

Collier Funeral Home & Cremation Services are handling all arrangements.  As he wished, Sonny's ashes will be sprinkled in the KY Lake.

If you would like to share a card or memory with Sonny's family, they may be sent to: Tina Keller & Rena Rawlings, 3424 E 87th Pl, Tulsa, OK 74137.