Butch King

Dc. Lowell “Butch” King departed this life on 28 August 2020.  He is survived by his wife, Debbie (45 years, 5 months, 14 days), four children Michelle Majors (Jerry) of Monticello; Mark McNabb (Amy) of Sherwood; Denise Wright (John) of Layton, Utah; and Paula Draeger (Justin) of Sherwood; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Vicki Palmer (Jim) of Corning, Ohio; Melody Campbell of Goodyear, Arizona; and Bryan King (Dee) of Locust Grove, Georgia.

Butch served in the USAF from 1971 until his retirement in 1994.  He served his country in Europe and the United States.  He was a Master Sergeant and loved his country.

Butch began a second career with the USPS in 1995.  He was a mail processor, window clerk, trainer, and union representative.

Deacon Butch loved his church family and serving others.  He was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Faith in November 2012.  He loved sports, especially the Razorbacks.  He never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile.

His disability and long struggle with cancer began in June 2017. During his illness he had 659 labs drawn, 18 bone marrow biopsies, received 116 units of blood, and had 41.75 liters of fluids removed. He spent a total of 104 days in the hospital and lived 394 days post-transplant. The family would like to acknowledge the UAMS transplant team under the leadership of Dr. Muthu Veeraputhiran, in addition to the extensive number of doctors, nurses, and care providers who played a special role and touched his life deeply.

Visitation will be at Smith Funeral Home (NLR), on Monday 31 August, 4:00-6:30 pm, reserving the first hour for those 60+ or who are immuno-compromised. Vigil service and remarks to follow.

Honor Guard, Rosary, and Mass of Christian Burial presided by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (NLR), beginning at 9:00 am on Tuesday 1 September.

Pall Bearers are Brad Brown, Greg Donaldson, Dan Grelle, Joe Lukas, Jerome Ngundue, Calvin Pearcy, Peter Post, and Randy Spellins. The English and Spanish Diaconate Candidates are Honorary Pall Bearers.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either St. Patrick’s Catholic Church . 211 W 19th Street, NLR, AR 72114 or to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute , and specify Leukemia Research. 4301 W Markham #623G, Little Rock, AR. 72205.

A private family burial will be held at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.