Elbert “Butch” Cogburn, Jr., 79, of Evans, passed away Friday, December 18, 2015 at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado.

Butch was born on January 12, 1936 in Gilcrest, Colorado to Elbert Jefferson and Margaret (Bernd) Cogburn. He graduated from Gilcrest High School in 1954, and from there he went on to attend Colorado State College of Education, which is now the University of Northern Colorado. In 1967, he married Ruby J. Haun, who passed away in 2006. He worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator, and in his later years, he drove a school bus for the Valley School District.

Butch is survived by his sons Harley K. Ferris of Rincon, Georgia and Rick (Dara) Ferris of Archdale, North Carolina; his daughters, Karen (Herb) Ley of Henderson, Nevada and Patricia (Jan) Massey of Cañon City, Colorado; his sisters, Joyce Richart Jeffries of Arizona City, Arizona, Lois Drewer of Loveland, Colorado, Nancy (Bill) Waller of Greeley, Colorado and Phyllis (Peter) Webb of Austin, Texas; as well as his 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his second family: the school bus staff at the Valley School District.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Cogburn, his parents Elbert and Margaret Cogburn, his sisters Sally Schropp and Patsy Cogburn, his brothers Charles and Norman Cogburn, and 1 granddaughter.

A viewing will be open to the public 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 S. 11th Avenue in Evans. A funeral service for Butch will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at LaSalle First Presbyterian, 51 Church Court in LaSalle, with a private family graveside following at 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jason’s Ever Giving Heart Foundation. They can be sent in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado 80620.