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Kenneth Butler Obituary
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Florence P. Butler; children, Kara Haltiwanger (Garrett) and Mark Spangenberg (Theresa); brother, Keith Butler (Barbara); grandchildren, Corinne Beaver (Jake) and Lauren Hudspeth; and great-granddaughter Natalie Beaver.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff and care team at Commonwealth Assisted Living as well as a special thanks to Diane Goldsmith for her wonderful support and friendship.
The family will receive friends at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 4:30-5:30PM.
For a full obituary and information about donations in lieu of flowers please visit rhaydensmith.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Butler
Sponsored by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton.
Mark Hoshor
November 12, 2025
Ken was highly influential in my life. I met Ken as a 9th grader ~1973. He ran the school chess club and I was drawn in. Ken encouraged me to attend the local chess club and my chess journey started in earnest. I earned the National Master title in 1985 and am currently an active senior player. Travel and chess go well together and I played in many domestic and some international tournaments. Chess is a communications vehicle that transcends language.
I deeply thank Ken for lighting the fire inside me. Thank you.
Robert Spain
January 31, 2025
When a conversation was ongoing and everyone was involved with what they thought was the answer Ken would never volunteer his thoughts! Only after being strenuously invited would Ken share his insight! Ken was a man with a lot of answers but he felt sharing might infringe on his friendships? Ken was famous for his reply to everything a safe, "SURE!" That was my friend!
Bob Spain
November 19, 2024
THE LAST RENAISSANCE MAN! KEN WAS ALWAYS INVOLVING HIMSELF IN DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WOULD BECOME ALMOST OBESSIONS. HE WOULD KEEP IT TO HIMSELF AND VERY SELDOM SHARE WITH THOSE AROUND HIM? HIS KNOWLEGE KNEW NO BOUNDS. HE WOULD ONLY SHARE WHEN ASKEDAND NEVER USED TO IMPRESS. I THOUGHT OF HIM AS A TRUE FRIEND AND MISS HIM!
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Virginia Bauserman
November 26, 2023
Ken Butler was a wonderful counselor and debate coach, and I appreciate all that he did for my son, Andrew, years ago at Hampton High School.
Carolyn Wirth
November 26, 2023
I will always remember the care and concern for your husband. God bless you and your family.
Loye Spence
November 26, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
G
November 26, 2023
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are their to comfort us in our time of loss. (Acts 15:28)
Lonnie Servais
November 26, 2023
Rest in Piece my chess buddy. You will be remembered for all the young lives you touched.
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Memorial Events
for Kenneth Butler
Nov
28
Visitation
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
Funeral services provided by:
R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
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