I.B. "Butch" Fugate Jr.

I.B. "Butch" Fugate Jr.

February 23, 1950 – July 8, 2025

I.B. "Butch" Fugate Jr., of Hamilton, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love. Born February 23, 1950, in Yuma, Colorado, Butch was known by his nickname from birth-a name lovingly given to him by his mother, Goldia, who would often ask during her pregnancy, "How's Butch?" That name stuck with him for life, just as his deep bond with his mother never wavered.

Butch lost his father at just 17, but despite the hardship, he graduated from Houston High School in Missouri. Like so many young men of his generation, he was drafted during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival in Vietnam the Army learned he was an only son, and he was instead deployed to Germany, where he honorably served for two years in the hospital there - a highlight he always talked about was getting to sign the butt of First Lady Pat Nixon's scrubs when the hospital gifted her a pair. A decorated M16 sharpshooter, Butch earned the National Defense Service Medal and returned home a proud veteran.

Determined to keep serving, Butch entered the accelerated LPN program at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He worked as a paramedic and then a nurse throughout his career, including many years of devoted service in Senior Living Facilities across Northern Missouri and as a Corrections Nurse at the Northwestern Correctional Facility in Cameron, Missouri. He had a special passion for working with the elderly and was known for holding down two jobs because of his unwavering work ethic.

Butch was a skilled outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and passing that knowledge down to his children-especially his son and best friend, I.B. Fugate III. Their bond was filled with laughter, even when the hunt didn't go as planned (including more than one time that his son accidentally shot him with buckshot). Their connection was one of deep love and shared joy in the woods and on the water.

After several chapters in life, Butch met the love of his life, Pam, while working at Excelsior Springs Nursing Center-the same place his mother spent her final days. Pam made sure Goldia was always well cared for, and in time, she and Butch formed a bond that could not be broken. After Goldia's passing, the couple took a year off to explore the country, falling in love with the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park.

On September 30, 2003, they married at their home, beginning a new chapter filled with peace and companionship. Butch loved his family above all else. When he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in 2007 the doctors gave him, at most, five years but he gave his family 17 years filled with love, adventure and making lots of memories but most importantly he got to meet all of his grandchildren.

Butch is survived by his devoted wife, Pam Fugate of the home; daughters Katrina (Tom) McCarver of Belleville, IL; Natalie Fugate of Florissant, MO; Chris (Tina) Cook of Carrollton, MO; and daughter-in-law Tara Fugate of Richmond, MO. He was a proud grandfather to Syniece Westmoreland, Britany Cook, IB McCarver, Jillian Fugate, Danielle Hadley, and I.B.Fugate IV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, I.B. and Goldia Fugate; his beloved son, I.B. Fugate III; and grandson, Dylan Fugate. The family takes comfort in knowing that when Butch arrived at the pearly gates, his son was waiting for him-and more than likely, they're already back in the woods together…and by the time we all reunite in heaven there won't be any big bucks or trophy elk left.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family in care of Pam Fugate. A visitation will be held from 1 PM to 2 PM, Friday, July 11th, 2025, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at 2:30 PM, at Highland Cemetery in Hamilton. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com