Reverend Chester Henry “Butch” Airheart, age 85, of Brady, Texas, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, in Brady. “Butch,” as he was known affectionately by those who knew him, was born on April 13, 1940, in Mason, Texas, to Walter Chester Airheart and Ethel Isabelle (Wickliffe) Airheart. Butch grew up in Mason, and while he did not have any formal schooling, he was one of the most gifted and sought after mechanics in the area. He married Janie on April 21, 1959, in Brady. He married Yolanda on December 3, 1993, in Mason. He could diagnose mechanical problems that left many at a loss. He had a deep personal faith and passion for the Lord. He was raised in the Mason Gospel Church and was an Evangelist for many years that went to deliver the Gospel wherever he was invited. He put God first. He started the Garden of Eden Gospel Church in Eden and preached there until the Covid pandemic. He was also a very generous man, always ready to help someone in need.
He loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. At any family gathering, he could always be seen playing and wrestling with the children. He was a good daddy, a good provider and was always “there.” He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and setting a “trotline.”
Graveside services for Reverend C.H. “Butch” Airheart will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Live Oak Cemetery in Brady. The family will be receiving friends on Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels. Friends may view Reverend Airheart’s Memorial Video Tribute and/or sign his online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.
Rev. Airheart is survived by his sons Chester Henry Airheart, Jr. and Gilbert Wade Airheart and wife Michelle, Mario Ruiz and wife Patty; daughters Priscilla Allen and husband Jaton and Edna Goodgion and husband Randy, Angelina Fortner and husband Curtis, Amanda Contreras; daughter-in law Patti Airheart; sisters Carolyn Airheart and husband Daniel and Toni Jones and husband Tim; eleven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many friends.. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janie, wife Yolanda, son Jackie, grandson Jayson Goodgion, two brothers and two sisters. Memorial contributions in memory of Reverend C.H. “Butch” Airheart may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org.