Lawrence A. Butts, 93, of Urbana Illinois passed away April 1, 2017 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A visitation at Renner Wikoff Chapel will be held on Friday,April 28,2017 from 6pm-8pm. A visitation at The First Wesleyan Church of Urbana will be held April 29,2017 from 11am-Noon, with a funeral service immediately following at Noon. Burial will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

Larry or L.A. as he was known as, was born October 13,1923 in Elmira, New York. He was the oldest son of George Albert Butts and Susie Bertha Butts.

In his early teens, his family moved from New York to the Midwest where he attended high school in Ohio and later Pilgrim Holiness College in Frankfort Indiana. But the degree he was most known for was his PH. D. in water skiing. If you wanted to feel the special excitement or the pain the next day from water skiing Larry was the man to know.

His professional life was devoted to helping others simplify there complicated health insurance and health services needs. He was known as a genuine servant of the Lord, showing loyalty was evident and always had a willingness to give above and beyond the call of duty. His humility of spirit, positive attitude and joyful service was clearly demonstrated in his work at the First Wesleyan Church of Urbana. He was one of fourteen charter members of this Church and was involved in its ministry as a Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer and was the music worship service leader at Church. He lead Congregational singing at many other services along with solos at over 100 weddings. His warmhearted greeting and friendly handshake were welcome trademarks of the Larry wherever he was including the First Wesleyan Church. His outgoing personalty and genuine caring attitude were an inspiration to each of us who knew him. He also served on the Illinois District of the Wesleyan Church as treasurer and member of its board of administration, a member of the Board of Trusties of Indiana Wesleyan University. Also a delegate on several occasions to the General Conference of the Wesleyan Church. Larry played a major role in the establishment of the Clyde Dupin Ministries and served on its board until its retirement.

Larry was a baseball enthusiast as a youth and continued his passion for baseball assisting in youth baseball in Urbana coaching and officiating. He also managed the 1961 twin city champions , Harlan E Moore with his two sons Ronnie and Gary anchoring a solid team.

Larry married Ruby Laveda Watson on August 26, 1946 in North Vernon Indiana. Ruby preceded Larry's passing October 18, 2005. His father George preceded his death in 1986 and his mother Susie in 1996. Larry is survived by three sons Ronnie Butts and granddaughter Emily K. of West Palm Beach, Florida, Gary Butts and wife Barbara of Oceanside , California, Jeff Butts and wife Chris along with grandson Conor of Champaign, Illinois, his brother David of Bogart, Georgia, a niece Carol Butts Montgomery of LaGrange, Georgia and his nephew Douglas Butts and wife Tamela of Bogart, Georgia.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Russ Meyers who helped provide special care and friendship during the last few years.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the First Wesleyan Church of Urbana, Illinois.