LaVern Wayne "Butch" Early

LaVern Wayne “Butch” Early, age 88 of Wellsville, Kansas passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at his home with family by his side. Private burial services with military honors will take place at a later date and memorial contributions may be made to the Ottawa VFW Post 5901, in care of Wilson’s, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

LaVern Wayne “Butch” Early was born September 28, 1937, in Lebo, Kansas, the son of Everett Ernest and Naomi Mae (Luck) Early. On June 23, 1956, he married Sandra Angele Moyer. They were married almost 70 years before his passing. Sandra survives at the home.

Butch joined the United States Army, serving 5 years during the Korean Conflict and in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. For his dedicated service to his country, he was awarded 2 Good Conduct Medals, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, sharpshooter and marksman medals and the National Defense Medal.

Butch was a self-employed painter for over 40 years, was a lifetime member of the Ottawa VFW Post 5901 and a member of the Wellsville American Legion, Post 194.

Butch is survived by his wife, Sandra of the home; daughter, Cathy Ann (Early) Soto of Tonganoxie, KS; son, Mike Early of Topeka, KS; cousin, Lynna Voorheis of Michigan; 7 grandchildren: Crystal Roberts (Clint); Derek Early, Brandon Early (Amber), Micah Cardinal (Doug), Levi Early, Chelsea Rome (Mike), Cameron Humerickhouse (Tanya); 20 great-grandchildren: Reece, Ryan, Riggin, Remington, Renley, Riley, Corbin, Harper, Corbin, Georgia, Brayden, Harley, Josey, Matty, Kinley, Kal, Kimber, Colt and Jovi.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Delores Papps, and infant daughter, Deborah. 

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