Thomas Henry ‘Butch’ Elffner, Jr., 80, passed away Sept. 27, 2025, at Bright Home Plus, Wichita, Kan. He was born on Jan. 25, 1945, in Bartow, Fla., to Thomas Henry ‘Tom’ Sr. and Kathleen ‘Dixie’ (Dixon) Elffner. 

Butch was a graduate of Meade High School, and after he proudly served the country in the United States Air Force. Following his service, he moved from different locations until becoming a longtime resident of Great Bend. Butch worked as an oilfield mechanic for Duke Drilling Company prior to his retirement. He was raised and taught the Catholic faith. Butch enjoyed model trains in his younger years, reading, gambling, and loved his cats.

Survivors include a brother, Robert ‘Topper’ Elffner and wife Jan of Omaha, Neb.; nephew, Charlie Elffner and wife Jaimie of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous cousins and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Charles ‘Chuck’ Elffner.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Amirtharajan Duraisamy presiding. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Graceland Cemetery, Meade, Kan. Military honors will be presented by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 2, 2025