Laken Heath Butler, born June 25, 1993, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 14, 2026.

Laken grew up in Dade City, Florida, where he formed deep family bonds. He graduated from Pasco high school in 2012 and later attended Georgia Middle State College. From a young age, Laken was active and athletic, playing football, soccer, and baseball, and excelling in swimming. His love for sports helped shape the man he became and ultimately led him to meet the love of his life.

Laken had a deep passion for cars, the outdoors, and adventure. He loved hunting, fishing, shooting, boating, and spending time on the water. He also loved to travel, leaving his family with countless memories from fun-filled trips over the years.

Mechanically inclined from a young age, Laken enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they worked. He grew into a skilled welder and a talented man who could fix just about anything. His dedication and work ethic led him to become a successful business owner, founding Butler Industrial Solutions, where his skill, integrity, and reliability were well known. Always willing to help, Laken generously shared his time and talents with family, friends, and anyone in need.

Family was the center of Laken's life. He shared a close bond with his parents, grandparents, brother, extended family, and in-laws. He was a well-mannered man who always greeted those he loved with a warm smile and a hug.

Laken met his wife, Beatriz "ChaCha" Butler, in high school on the swim team. They were married on March 4, 2023, and shared an epic love built on deep friendship, laughter, and devotion. Together, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Isabel June, on September 13, 2024. She was the light of Laken's life. He was a faithful, loving husband and an amazing, fun dad who cherished every moment with his family.

Music was one of Laken's quiet joys. As a small child, he loved to sing to his mother, Sharon. When he met ChaCha, he made her smile by singing silly songs, and as a father, he lovingly sang to his little Izzy—memories that will be treasured forever.

Laken was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James "Jake" Butler, Warren "Mac" McKendree and Fred Godfrey.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beatriz "ChaCha" Butler; his parents, Brent and Sharon McKendree; his brother, Blain McKendree (Grace); his grandmothers, Betty Butler and Darlene McKendree; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ricky and Maria Perez; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him very much.

There will be an open visitation for family and friends to pay their respects on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida, on Highway 301. Laken will be laid to rest on Tuesday at Florida National Cemetery in a private service with immediate family only. A celebration of life may follow on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon; details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.

Laken was a strong believer in Jesus Christ. His faith and his family were the foundation of his life and guided him in all he did. Though his time on earth was far too short, his legacy of love, faith, hard work, and kindness will live on through the lives he touched.

Laken Heath Butler will be deeply missed and forever remembered.