March 31, 1943 – April 22, 2024
Arnold “Butch” Veller, age 81, formerly of Sheridan, peacefully passed away on Monday evening, April 22, 2024, at his daughter’s home in Dana, Ind. Born March 31, 1943, in Waverly, Ind., he was the son of the late Harold Veller and Mary (Surface) Green.
After graduating from high school in St. Petersburg, Fla., Butch found his way back to Indiana and proudly served his community for many years as a firefighter. From August 10, 1966, until his retirement in 2001, Badge #855 rose through the ranks of the department, becoming an Engine Company Chauffeur on December 9, 1978. His dedication to the city of Indianapolis and her surrounding communities was one of the driving forces in his life.
For someone who spent a vast majority of his life driving fire engines through just about every type of situation, it should be no surprise that Butch would be a fan of auto racing. As a firefighter for most of his life, he was also used to being on the working side of the caution tape. When an opportunity to work at the track came about, a faster YES has never been uttered. Butch was a huge Indy 500 fan and grew to love the Brickyard 400 as well. Being part of the crew at IMS was about as close to heaven on earth as a race fan can get. Even though the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was his home away from home, he was happy to be able to experience a race at Talladega. Butch was also an avid bowler.
He was a member of the Retired Indianapolis Firefighters Club, and the International Association of Retired Firefighters, as well as a member of the Pony Express Riders of Indiana. He also enjoyed his association through the years with the Easterseals Crossroads of Indiana.
Butch is survived by his daughter, Kim Goodman (Charles) of Dana, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Cody Storm, Dustin Storm, Beth Veller, Kelsie Veller, Mary Veller, Ben Veller, Jessie Veller-Backoff (Scott), and Samantha Veller-Brinkman (John); six great-grandchildren; his former wife, Judy Allen of Greenwood, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Veller and Mary (Surface) Green; two sons, Rick Veller and Pat Veller; brother, Ronald Veller; and by the love of his life, Sandy Kay Sturgeon-Veller on May 26, 2004. Sandy was not only Butch’s childhood sweetheart, but also his soulmate. Together they were wed on January 20, 1979.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Spencer Cemetery in Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to Easterseals Crossroads of Indiana, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com