William LaRue "Bill" Routt

William "Bill" LaRue Routt of Sonora, KY was born January 23, 1928, to his parents - Jesse and Cap Routt, both of Larue County. He parted this life peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Radcliff Veteran's Center, where he was an honored resident for his military service in the Korean Conflict. At the time of his passing, he reached the age of 97 years young.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Juanita Hazlewood Routt; parents Jesse and Cap Routt; brother Leroy Routt; and sister Bernice Routt Upton. He is survived by his two adoring daughters; Brenda (Bobby) Routt Wilkerson of Upton, KY; Sally (Scot) Routt Styer of Lexington, KY, two grandsons; Chad Wilkerson of Upton, KY; Morgan (Lynn) Routt of Winchester, KY, a granddaughter; Megan Wilkerson of Upton, KY, nine great-grandchildren; Bradley, Talon, Hailey Marie, Sierra, Haley Lea, Barrett, Desmond, West, and Salem, and many others. Although he spent 50 years as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, his true joy in life was in being a caring, humorous, and loving father and grandfather.
Bill was an avid farmer for over 60 years, starting at the ripe age of thirteen to help provide for his family. In his life, he raised some of the best registered Poll Hereford cattle, with a herd of over 100. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Sonora for more than 60 years, and he was honored to be nominated and ordained into service as a deacon more than once.
He was also an accomplished musician, talented with the guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. In his early years, he utilized this aptitude to play in a band for a multitude of Country Barn square dances. Throughout his life, he encouraged his love and talent for music in his children and grandchildren.
Bill loved to travel with his beloved wife, Juanita. They were privileged enough to visit the Holy Lands, Egypt, Venezuela, Brazil, and all 50 of the United States.
His hobbies over the years were vast and wide in variety, including; playing bluegrass music, chewing tobacco, and raising a substantial garden. He was in a long-term race with his farmer pals and neighbors to grow and pick the first tomato of the year. He loved spending quality time with his many friends, usually joining them for a weekly Laha's hamburger and hot dog. And it cannot be forgotten how Bill ate his weight in chicken nuggets and apple pies from McDonald's (don't forget the honey mustard sauce!).
Bill lived a phenomenal life and had a positive impact on the lives of all who were blessed enough to know him. These past 97 years have led him on a long and winding road, and now he has made it home.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday August 2, 2025 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Sonora with Bro. Tony Carson and Rev. Leroy Routt officiating. Burial will be held at the Sonora Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be Friday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm or Saturday 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Manakee Funeral Home in Sonora.
Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.manakeefuneralhome.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William "Bill" LaRue Routt, please visit our Tree Store.