Richard "Coach" Butt, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving wife Karen and family. Richard was born July 30, 1936, to Don and Mary Butt in Andrews, Indiana. Richard graduated from Huntington High School in 1954. He was a member of the 1958 class of Manchester College with a degree in education. He earned his Masters degrees from Ball State University ('62) and St. Francis College ('64). On June 14, 1959, he married Karen Lee (Good), his wife of 64 years. He always said his life's priorities were his faith, family, and job. He influenced many people through his coaching, counseling, and how he lived his life.
"Coach" Butt is best known for his extraordinary basketball coaching career. He began coaching Boys Varsity Basketball and teaching in 1958 at Liberty Center High School (1959-1964). From there he coached and served as guidance counselor at Lakeland High School in LaGrange, IN (1964-1973) and Leo High School in Leo, IN (1973-1996). Over his coaching career, his teams accrued 420 wins and numerous tournament and conference titles. In 1983, he was selected by the State of Indiana to participate in the International Sports Exchange and conduct basketball clinics in four countries across Africa. His contributions to the sport as a leader, mentor, and coach were recognized in 2023 as he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He reflected in his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, "For me, it has always been about the kids, working with them, teaching them, supporting them to be the best they can be on and off the floor."
Richard was a member of the Leo Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, eating good steak and crab legs, traveling to national parks, and cruising. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Karen; brother David; children Randall (Sonia Agosto) Butt, Renée (Christopher) Schwartz; five grandchildren Natalia, Natasha, and Nacharlee Butt, Christopher (Ali) Schwartz and Cameron (Delaney) Schwartz; three great-grandchildren Maïa, Liam, and Evelyn.
A Memorial Service is 10:30 am, Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Leo Methodist Church, 13527 Leo Road, with viewing one hour prior. Visitation also Friday, March 8, 2024 from 3 pm to 7 pm at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St., Ft Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Jimmy V Foundation (https://www.v.org/) and the Leo Methodist Church (https://www.leoumc.org/).