Clarence Edward “Butch” Gassner, Jr

Clarence Edward “Butch” Gassner, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the age of 71. He was married to his best friend Kathey Smith Gassner for almost 52 years. He faithfully served in the U.S. Army, and diligently worked as a Civil Engineer for 40 years. Nothing brought more joy to Butch than being able to spend time with Kathey and his family. Family game nights and holidays were especially meaningful to him. Butch was a devoted and proud Pops and he could often be found at his grandchildren’s baseball and softball games, dance recitals, or school field trips.

Butch was gentle and kindhearted to everyone he met. He was a loyal, dedicated and faithful husband. He was also a loving son, a wise father, a welcoming father-in-law, a patient grandfather and a trustworthy friend, and he was absolutely remarkable at them all. He was a man of integrity and he was true to his word. He will be greatly missed but his legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of his family, friends, and anyone who was blessed to know him. We celebrate Butch’s life because of his personal relationship with Christ, and take joy in knowing he is healed and we will be reunited with him one day.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Edward and Faye Marie Gassner, his infant brother, Stephen and infant sister, Marie. He is survived by his wife Kathey Gassner; two sons, Scott Gassner (Heather) of Calera and Greg Gassner (Ashley) of Helena; four grandchildren, Allie Gassner Logan (Jacob), Noah Gassner, Anna Gassner, and Sara Gassner.

Due to Covid-19 there will be no visitation and minimal space at the funeral. There is no doubt Butch and Kathey’s friends and church families from First Baptist Pelham and former Roebuck Park Baptist will be with them in love and prayers. Services will be held in the Charter Funeral Home Chapel, Monday, June 29, 2020 at 1:30 pm. Private family committal to follow at the Alabama National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family request donations be sent to Parkinson Association of Alabama or charity of your choice. Entrusted to the care of Charter Funeral Home.

7 Comments

  1. David J Ayers on June 26, 2020 at 11:41 am

    Dear Sweet Kathey,
    Prayers of comfort and peace are sent to you and your sons and families. Precious memories are forever. Sending virtual hugs.



  2. Tom Holley on June 26, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    Kathy: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember the first time I met Butch when we joined Roebuck Park Baptist Church and how friendly and courtesy he was.
    Please know we’re thinking of you and pray God will grant you peace in the weeks ahead.



  3. Veronica O'Hara-Herbert on June 27, 2020 at 11:41 am

    Rest in the Lord, dear brother. Kathey, Ken and I are with you in the Spirit. Love to you and yours.
    Ken and Ronni



  4. Barry and Nancy Wesson on June 27, 2020 at 11:53 am

    We are touched by the beautiful and heart felt obituary for Butch. We couldn’t agree more with the loving things written about him. He was simply the best. We recall the many fun times we shared with Butch and Kathey before we moved to North Alabama. We are thankful he is now with his Heavenly Father, and with his family and friends who have gone on before him. Prayers continue for Kathey and their precious family. We love you.



  5. Mike Shaw on June 27, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Praying for Butch’s family and all of us who were blessed to call him our friend and brother in Christ. Our thoughts are with you even though we can not be with you. May the Amazing Grace of Jesus be showered upon each of you until we meet again. Mike and Mary Shaw



  6. Joyce and Don Roberson on June 28, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Butch was so kind and had such a gentle spirit about him. His light for Jesus Christ shined in his words and actions. He loved everyone. We know he will be missed by his family and friends, and will be praying that God will send you comfort each day.



  7. Deborah Garrett on June 30, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Kathey, Scott, Greg, and Family;
    We love you all. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Butch (Pops) will be greatly missed, but cherish all the fond memories. Scott and Greg, you did your father proud with your thoughts and memories shared with us at the funeral. Our prayer is that God will comfort you each day.