Alva "Butch" Priest

Alva “Butch” Priest, 71, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at 7:56 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026 in Monticello.

Born on July 3, 1954, in Lafayette, to the late Paul Priest and Carol Sue Hooker, Butch grew up to become the kind of man who could fix almost anything-sometimes with the right tools, sometimes with duct tape, but always with confidence.

A proud member of the Monticello VFW, Butch believed strongly in loyalty, friendship, and never turning down a good story or a cold beer. He spent many years working for Segal’s Trucking, where he earned a reputation for hard work, reliability, and probably knowing every back road in the county.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Butch could fish all day, and still have energy left to entertain his kids and grandkids-his greatest pride and joy. He loved nothing more than spending time with family, swapping stories and sharing laughs.

Butch will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart and stubborn determination, and the way he made ordinary moments feel special. His legacy lived on in every fishing tale that gets longer with time, every project that begins with “Grandpa showed me how,” and every gathering that feels a little quieter without him.

He is survived by his children, Ashley Ireland (husband, Danny) of Logansport, Brandon Priest (wife, Sarah) of Monticello, Daniel Priest (wife, Sandee) of Aurora, Colorado and Spring Whitaker; brother, Jimmy Priest (wife Jennifer) of Lafayette; sisters, Kelly Martinez (wife, Jennifer) of California, Vicki Ledman of Lafayette and Jamie Revalee of Lafayette; six grandchildren, Dakota, Dalton, Payge, Tyler, Jakson and Alva Oliver and one great grandchild.

Along with Butch’s parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Jason Priest; a brother, Danny Priest and sister in law Tammy Priest.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and mailed to Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home, 6368 US HWY 24, Monticello, Indiana 47960.

A celebration of life will be held around his birthday, giving everyone time to gather, swap stories, and raise a glass the way Butch would have wanted it.

Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.