Vanis “Butch” Keith Sigman, 86, of Booneville, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, November 9, 2023 in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Butch was born July 12, 1937 to Cecil Clinton Sigman and Mary Nell (Hyatt) Sigman in Spring Lake, Texas. He was a life-long member of Pleasant Grove No. 2 Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas, serving as a Sunday School teacher and deacon for over 50 years.
Butch was married to the love of his life, Charlotte Mae (Estes) Sigman, for 56 marvelous years before Charlotte went on to Heaven to wait for him. Together they raised four amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren. Butch was a wonderful Christian father, an example of how one should live his or her life for the Lord. He was a man who knew that his time on Earth served a bigger purpose. He would use the plastic fork you would always see in his pocket at potluck dinners and such as an opening to tell people about Jesus. When people would ask about it, he was quick to tell them, “that is because the best is yet to come.”
Butch attended Amarillo Junior College and came to Arkansas to join his parents and siblings when they relocated to the farm they had bought in Lucas. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and graduated from there with a Bachelors of Science degree in geology. After a brief stint using his degree and traveling around the country, he realized that work in the geology field was not for him. He was always a family man, one who loved and missed his family and desired to settle down and raise one of his own. So, he returned home and accepted the position of manager at the Fort Smith Farmers’ Coop, where he worked for a few years alongside his father. When given the opportunity to become the loan office at the Ozark branch of Production Credit Association, he took it. He worked with farmers all over western Arkansas, helping them secure their dreams for about ten years before turning strictly to farming himself as a poultry farmer and cattle rancher on the farm he had bought with Charlotte alongside his parents. During all that time, and while providing for four rambunctious children, he never neglected his responsibilities as a servant of the Lord. He served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, led the youth, sang in the choir, drove the church bus or even his own vehicle to pick up kids, and mowed the church yard and cemetery. He worked with Vacation Bible School, went to association meetings, served as the Buckner Baptist Association treasurer, and as the president of the Pleasant Grove Cemetery association. He delivered food and gift baskets during the holidays and would stop to help whoever he might see in need, always willing to help them however he could. And in all of it, he never complained. Those who knew him could describe him with any number of words. But the most accurate would have to be as someone who had “a servant’s heart.” In the spare time he had in his later years, he loved to go fishing and spend time with his boys and attend many of the events of his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan.
Butch leaves behind to cherish his memory, his four children: Melissa Lybyer and husband Tim of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Byron “Buzz” Sigman and wife Kristi of Waldron, Arkansas; Stacy Sigman and wife Marla of Mount Ida, Arkansas; and Chesley Sigman and wife Jennifer of Glenwood, Arkansas. Poppy will forever remain in the hearts of his seven grandchildren: Katie Lybyer-Triplett, Chesli Missel, Stephen Sigman, Kyleigh Sigman, Connor Sigman, Heston Sigman and Madison Sigman. Butch is also survived by five siblings: Rowina Turner of Booneville, Arkansas; Karen Britting of Abilene, Texas; Frankie Haling of Sands Springs, Oklahoma; Robert “Sam” Sigman of Ozark, Arkansas; and Mary Hope “Toogie” Henley of Greenwood, Arkansas. Butch will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted, including a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his loving wife, Charlotte Sigman; his parents, Cecil and Mary Sigman; and one brother, Kirk Sigman.
Butch’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Pleasant Grove No. 2 Baptist Church in Mansfield, Arkansas with Pastor Mark Toby officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove No. 2 Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Butch’s pallbearers will be Doug Elmore, Stephen Sigman, Heston Sigman, Connor Sigman, Cordelle Carr and Danny Willsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Winn and Don Cochran.
Butch’s visitation will be Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, where Butch’s family will be receiving friends.
You may leave words of remembrance for Butch’s family by visiting: www.heritagememorialfh.com
The family asks that donations for Bible purchases be made through Gideons International in leu of flowers at P.O. Box 823 Waldron, Arkansas 72958
