February 25, 1953 – November 12, 2023
Arliss Dewayne “Butch” Collett, 70, a resident of Checotah, peacefully departed this earthly life Sunday, November 12, 2023, in Tulsa. He was born February 25, 1953, in Henryetta to Frances Charlene (Smith) and Arliss Collett.
Butch was preceded in death by his wife Karrie; grandson James Collett; and parents Frances Charlene Beebe and Arliss Collett.
Butch was known as a handy, friendly and kind soul by family, friends and many who had the pleasure of his acquaintance throughout his life.
Young Butch was educated at Henryetta Public Schools, where he demonstrated his athletic aptitude on the baseball diamond. His love for competition and camaraderie was apparent then and would become an enduring thread throughout his life.
In high school, Butch would meet his wife, Margaret Mary (Kern) and they would eventually marry. Their family would be blessed with two children, Paul and Chasity. Butch worked as a mechanic for many years at Ronald’s Lee’s Garage where he was able to include his love of hot rod building and racing. Then he became a radiographer on the pipeline where he often spent long periods of time off shore in the Gulf of Mexico. He eventually returned to Henryetta where he would work in the family business of construction and the sawmill.
About this time Butch would be blessed with a second daughter, Nikita. Butch met his wife Karrie and they moved to Granbury, Texas where he would use his carpentry skills in residential construction on the shores of Lake Granbury until the passing of his late wife Karrie. Butch displayed heartfelt devotion, caring for her with love and dedication.
Butch’s path in life would bring him back to Oklahoma to work as a handyman doing odd jobs and helping his mother Charlene maintain her property in the Hitchita area. After several years of helping his mother, she passed away in 2021. Butch would then retire to a leisurely life on Lake Eufaula with his companion blue heeler “Bunny.” Butch was also known for his love for leisurely moments spent with friends and loved ones, Butch is lovingly remembered and mourned by his children: son, Paul Collett and wife, Tonya, of Checotah, and daughters, Chasity Collett of Anderson, Ind., and Nikita Miller of Weleetka. He was a proud grandparent to ten grandchildren: Timber, Ashley, and Luke Collett, Colt Collett, Dorian Fritz, and Zac Church, Payden, Emerie, Ryett and Kyson; and a great-grandparent to Ty, Lane, Coy, Cali, Stryker, and Halo. He is also survived by siblings: Arla Collett, Julie Collett, Shan Collett, Mellissa Overfield, Mariea Wilhite, and Dava Beebe; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Finishing a race well done, Butch leaves behind a legacy of dedication, friendship, and love, remembered always with admiration and gratitude by all who were blessed to share in his journey.
Rev. Tony Haley will officiate and Terry Jones will be speaker.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jamie Mitchell, Luke Collett, Colt Collett, Lane Collett, Ty Stewart, Coy Collett, Matthew Mitchell, Zachery Mitchell, Jeremiah Hicks, Bradley Hicks, Brock Hicks and Mason Mitchell.
Viewing and visitation is scheduled for 3-8 p.m. Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Integrity Funeral Service.
Memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, at Integrity Chapel.
Arrangements and services entrusted to Integrity Funeral Service, 410 E. Trudgeon in Henryetta, 918-6526600.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arliss Dewayne Collett, please visit the funeral home’s floral store.
