Rev. John Butts

On March 19, 2013, the Lord called John’s mission on earth fulfilled as he started his eternal heavenly life with Jesus at the age of 87. John was saved at age 19 and met his lovely wife, Evelyn, whose dad pastored the church he attended. John’s life call was to the ministry with the Assembly of God as a pastor, evangelist and missionary. He lived in Arkansas for his first two years, then his family moved to western Oklahoma, then to California during the Dust Bowl days to find a better life, ultimately moving back to Oklahoma where John and Evelyn were married on April 3, 1950. They lived there and raised four children in Leedey, Oklahoma, until 1970, when the family moved to West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma. He used his ability as a builder to establish Tabernacle Evangelism in Africa, which has become the standard for establishing churches in Africa. He made 34 evangelism trips to Africa to establish new churches and preach the message of salvation. He built and pastored the church in Leedey, Oklahoma in the 60’s, pastored several churches in Arkansas, and ultimately built and pastored with his family and congregation at West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma Assembly of God in 1976 until present. He was born in Pindle, Arkansas to John and Belva Butts on June 23, 1925. He had four sisters, Elizabeth, Viola, Agnes and Launa and one brother, Rucker, who all preceded him to their heavenly home. Survivors include his wonderful wife, Evelyn of the home, Larry and Carolyn Butts of West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, James and Beth Butts of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, John and Belinda Butts of West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, and Carol and David Schmidt, missionaries to Cameroon with residences in West Siloam Springs and San Diego, California. Grandchildren are Derek Butts, Lindsey Butts, Ryan Schmidt, Aaron Butts, Melanie Schmidt, Kristin Butts-Stanley, Nathan Schmidt, Jenna Butts and four great grandchildren; brothers-in-law are Rev. Dennis Meyers, Earl and Riga Gore, Walter Gore, Raymond Gore, and Leah Meyers. He was a fun and good example for his 28 nieces and nephews. His church family includes members and many minsters who looked up to John for his leadership and mentoring. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Assembly of God Church, West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2013, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. To sign the online guest book, visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Burial will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Red Star Cemetery, Leedey, Oklahoma.

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Rev. John Butts

June 23, 1925 - March 19, 2013