ST. JOSEPH — Funeral services for Edgar Reed Butts, 64, of Fairfield, Conn., who died Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at NYU Hospital, will be 1 p.m. today at Wesley Methodist Chapel with the Rev. Peggy Foreman officiating.

Burial will follow at Wesley Cemetery in St. Joseph under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Dr. Butts was born Sept. 23, 1949, to Henry Fowler Butts and Robin Harris Butts.

An avid fan of LSU athletics, men’s and women’s, he would announce that at a special time, there would be an LSU game and that there were other TV sets in the house if anyone wanted to watch anything else. He prided himself on his corny jokes and each time he said them, he would make everyone laugh, against their wishes, though they could not help it.

He loved Tensas Parish, especially Waterproof, where he enjoyed reacquainting himself each time he returned and visited his friends. He was also a very proud graduate of Waterproof High School. Ed was a scientist, having obtained his bachelor of science and doctorate of philosophy from LSU, a master of science from VPI and a master of business administration from St. Mary’s College.

Ed was the assistant commissioner of veterinary and pest control for New York City, where he established the Rodent Integrated Pest Control and Academy. He also served as the chief science advisor for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Ed was a transplant recipient, thanks to his niece Libbi. His zest for life became stronger after he received “Kevin,” his 24-year-old transplant.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Dr. Michael L. Skubly.

Survivors include his wife, Bernadette Skubly Butts; his mother-in-law and dear friend, Jacqueline Skubly of Fairfield; a sister, Ann Butts Burns and husband, Dennis, of Waterproof; a sister-in-law, Marguerite Haga and husband, Michael, of Killingwortg, Conn.; two special nieces, Robin Rae Burns of Flowood and Libbi Calloway and husband, Ryan, of Little Rock, Ark., and a beloved great-nephew, J. Harley Calloway of Little Rock.

Pallbearers will be Tom Woodard of Holly Bluff; Mac Hazlip of Natchez; Ryan Calloway; Michael Haga; Dennis Burns and Lucas Harris of Tampa.

Online condolences may be made to youngsfh.com.