DeLoren “Butch” Massey, 77, of Florida died Aug. 10, 2023, in Pensacola, Fla. Mr. Massey was a disabled veteran. He was raised in De Soto and graduated from De Soto High School in 1964. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1994 in many aviation squadrons. He deployed on several cruises abord the ships USS Constellation, USS Forrestal, USS Enterprise and USS Coral Sea, and was stationed overseas in Sicily and the Philippines. He served in every enlisted grade from Airman Recruit to Master Chief Petty Officer, receiving his commission in 1985 and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. He received many awards and decorations during his military career. After retirement, he went to work for Circle K as a store manager and training administrator, retiring in 2013. His hobbies included fishing and NASCAR. Born Aug.14, 1945, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Ada (Richardson) and Carl Massey.
He is survived by two sons: Jeffery (Seana) of Pensacola, Fla. and David (Lourdes) of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters: Jene Lindaman of Hillsboro and Elaine MacNair of Washington state; and three grandchildren: Alexander, Vanessa and Santiago.
Burial with full military honors will be in the Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.