John M. Button

John (J.B.) Mackenzie Button died Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Hot Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jane Muller Button. He was born in Denver, Colo., on July 5, 1953, and moved as a child to Hot Springs, never again residing far from the Oaklawn Racetrack. J.B. lived by his own rules up until the very end. He was a happy, easygoing, funny guy and a friend to all. John never let the truth get in the way of a good story, but he also lived large and surprised his family and friends countless times with outrageous tales that proved to be true.

He is survived by his son, Matthew and wife, Kelly, and their children, Davis and Liliane Button, of Tucson, Ariz., and his daughter, Anna and husband, Caleb High, of Hot Springs. Survivors also include his former wife, the saintly Barbara Beard Button, brothers, Robert Button and Frank Button, of Hot Springs, David Button and wife, Jean, of Fayetteville, and Sally Button Pierce and husband, Randall, of Hot Springs. He was a favorite of his nieces and nephews and their friends. He loved his Wray cousins of California and Arizona. The family is grateful to the staff at St. Vincent hospital in Hot Springs, especially the nurses and doctors on the 5th floor hospice unit.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 5, at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs. A gathering will be held following the ceremony at the Big Chill, where the flag flies at half-staff in memory of its most loyal customer. Bring your favorite J.B. stories, and in his honor, don’t let the truth get in the way!