Buddy Gene Butts

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Buddy Gene Butts, age 94, of Warsaw, Indiana. He passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2025.

Gene was born on September 18, 1930 in Kosciusko County to Lawrence and Margaret Butts. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Geneal Clinker on March 14, 1952. He graduated from Beaver Dam School and went on to graduate with a teaching degree from Manchester University and a Masters in Education from Indiana University. Gene spent his career as an educator, coach and official. He began his teaching career in Silver Lake before moving to Warsaw. He taught at East Ward Elementary until the new Lincoln Elementary building opened. He spent many years teaching and coaching Lincoln Lions. He also served as athletic director for Warsaw Community High School and finished his career teaching at Leesburg Elementary. Alongside teaching, Gene officiated all manner of sports but especially loved umpiring baseball.

Gene is survived by his two daughters Nancy Corl (John) and Peggy Bell, grandchildren Lindsay Blocher, Brooke Bair (Matt), Sam Wihebrink (Crys), Courtney Gabbard (Scott) and Aaron Bell (Brooke), Great-Grandchildren Landon, Isaac, Hogan, Sophie, Wyatt, Walker Buddy, Crosby, Colson, Maddie, and Cameron and countless friends and relatives. Gene is preceded in death by his wife Carole and his parents Lawrence and Margaret Butts.

Gene had a heart of gold and was very generous to others. He was friends with everyone and if he did not know you, he would quickly offer a handshake saying, “Gene Butts, Warsaw”. He was very proud to be a Warsaw Tiger and loved the Warsaw Community.

Gene loved attending the Colts home games, playing cards, golfing, and feeding his beloved squirrels. He also loved working in his yard and spending time with his granddogs that brought him so much joy. Above all, Gene loved spending time with his family to whom he was known as Poppy. He had the privilege of watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in sports. Because of his wealth of knowledge, he never hesitated to give constructive criticism to them, other players and even the officials. Gene was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Indiana University. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and you could not enter his home without a ballgame being on television.

Gene’s love of sports can be seen in his illustrious officiating career. He was an IHSAA umpire for 55 years and umpired in Florida during the winters for the FHSAA for 17 years. He was inducted into the IHSAA Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013. He umpired 36 sectionals, 24 regionals, 17 semi-states, and 8 state finals. He was IHSAA Umpire of the Year in 1996 and IBCA Umpire of the Year in 2000. Gene also umpired in the Pan Am games in 1987. He was a collegiate umpire in Indiana for 46 years and in Florida for 17 years. He umpired professionally in the Grapefruit League spring training for the Red Sox, Indians, and Tigers.

He officiated games throughout the state for many years for both girls and boys basketball. Gene was awarded the 2010 Center Circle officials award by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He officiated 25 sectionals, 16 regionals, 5 semi-states, 3 state finals. He officiated the first Girls State Finals and is the only official to have officiated the girls and boys state finals in the same year.

He made an impact on countless people and made a mark on his community. We hope to continue this legacy by providing financial support through the Gene Butts Memorial Fund. This fund will help Lincoln Elementary students in their athletic pursuits.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28th from 4-8pm at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw, IN 46580. His Life Celebration Funeral will be held on Friday, August 29th at 11am at Titus Funeral Home, with Ken Locke officiating, doors will be open one hour prior. All who knew and loved Gene are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Gene Butts Memorial Fund through the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.