Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Mourns the Passing of Butler, Strozier
Jan 26, 2018 | Football
MANHATTAN, Kan. – A pair of three-year letterwinners for Kansas State in the late 1960s who each played in the NFL, former Wildcats Bill Butler and Art Strozier have passed away. Butler passed away earlier this week at the age of 67 in Manhattan, while Strozier died at the age of 71 on January 14 in Kansas City.
Butler played running back for the Wildcats from 1969-71 and rushed for 1,400 career yards, one of 30 players in school history to top the 1,000-yard mark. He went on to play three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before medically retiring from the NFL. He moved back to Manhattan and worked at McCall Pattern Company while also starting Showroom Shine Auto Detailing.
One of his survivors, son, Matt, played linebacker for the Wildcats in the early 2000s and was a member of the 2003 Big 12 Championship squad.
Memorial contributions for Butler may be made to either Purple PAWS or the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Strozier was a tight end for the Wildcats from 1965-67, hauling in 36 passes for 458 yards and two touchdowns. He went on to play two seasons for the San Diego Chargers. One of his nephews, Noah, played for the Wildcats in the mid 2000s.
Butler played running back for the Wildcats from 1969-71 and rushed for 1,400 career yards, one of 30 players in school history to top the 1,000-yard mark. He went on to play three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before medically retiring from the NFL. He moved back to Manhattan and worked at McCall Pattern Company while also starting Showroom Shine Auto Detailing.
One of his survivors, son, Matt, played linebacker for the Wildcats in the early 2000s and was a member of the 2003 Big 12 Championship squad.
Memorial contributions for Butler may be made to either Purple PAWS or the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Strozier was a tight end for the Wildcats from 1965-67, hauling in 36 passes for 458 yards and two touchdowns. He went on to play two seasons for the San Diego Chargers. One of his nephews, Noah, played for the Wildcats in the mid 2000s.
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