Charles "Butch" Early, 85, of Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at his home.

A memorial service will held be at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, September 26, at Arnold Funeral Home. Danny Smith will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 26, from 4:00 P.M. until time of services at the funeral home.

Mr. Early was born on November 1, 1936 in Mexico, the son of Pearl Theodore and Vera Ellen (Longdon) Early.  On April 8, 1955 he married Betty Levingston in Hatton.

The world lost one of the greatest cowboys it ever knew, horses lost the best advocate they ever did have, and those that knew him lost an influential person in their life.  Butch spent his younger years in the Turtle Rodeo Association (precursor to the PRCA) and was an absolute rock star on the broncs.  He also trained and showed Olympic level three-day event horses, which included Madison Square Garden.  Racing was Butch's true passion and he never quit working towards improving his stock.  In his later years, Butch spent his energy being a part of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's lives.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Betty Early of Mexico; two granddaughters, Stacy (Daniel Tooley) Early of Columbia and Amie (Aaron) Lauer of Mexico; three great-grandchildren, Andrew James, Andy Lauer, Aaron Lauer; two brothers, Elmer Early of Mexico and Donald "Corky" Early of Mexico as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Early was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Vera Early; one son, Andy Early; one sister, Barb Alexander; two brothers, Paul Early and Bill Early.

The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.