Richard “Butch” Marlar, 61, of Montezuma, Indiana passed away Sunday April 28, 2024, at HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He was born November 14, 1962, in Clinton, Indiana to the late Ralph Wayne Marlar and Wanda Keen Marlar Nickle. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Debra K. Walter Marlar whom he married July 13, 1991, in Judson; also surviving, daughter, Jessica (Ryan) Zook of Clinton; son, Kyle Marlar of Terre Haute; sister, Marka (Roger) Miller of Crawfordsville; five grandchildren, Samuel Tanner, Luke Marlar, Cade Zook, Madilyn Marlar and Nolan Marlar; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sondra Huxford.

Butch was born in Clinton, IN and raised in Rockville, where he graduated in 1981 from Rockville High School. Growing up he played football, baseball, and basketball which is where his lifelong love of sports began. After high school he joined the Army and was even stationed in Germany for a period of time. He was recognized for several accomplishments while serving including earning his Air Assault Badge.

It was after his time in the Army that he met and quickly fell in love with his beautiful, big haired, and cold handed bride. Debbie also came with a 4 year old little girl, Jessica, who Butch welcomed and loved with open arms.

SHORTLY after Butch and Debbie were married, they welcomed a son, Kyle. To say Butch was a devoted and proud father is an understatement. Anytime Butch wasn’t hard at work providing for his family, you could find him spending time with them.

Butch has held many titles in his life, but Papaw might have been his favorite. He worshiped those littles and they worshiped him right back. To them, Papaw Butch knew how to fix anything, had the best toys, and was the master of bathroom humor. He would do anything to make them laugh.

Through the years Butch had many hobbies. He enjoyed spending time with friends, riding his Harley with Debbie, four wheeling with the grandkids, camping, fishing, hunting, taking vacations, coaching youth sports, and spending HOURS on the sidelines supporting his kids and grandkids. Later in life he developed a love for buying and selling items via Facebook Marketplace. He called them “meet a stranger deals”. However, once a person met Butch, they would quickly become friends. Part of this new hobby’s appeal was getting to meet new people. He had the ability to talk to anyone from any walk of life, without judgment.

Butch had a giving heart. He was giving of his friendship, giving of his time, giving of his resources, and giving of his love. It was through his new hobby of buying and selling that his giving heart continued to show through. He was able to help countless people in need obtain lawn mowers and beautiful wood burning stoves for an affordable price. No recognition needed, he was just happy he could help. It was the kind of wonderful person he was.

Services will be 4:00 pm Wednesday, May 8, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 W. Howard Street, Rockville, with Pastor Keith B. McIntyre officiating. Military honors will follow services by Parke County veterans. The visitation is from 1:00pm until 4:00 pm on Wednesday. Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.

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