Lakeland – Tripp M. Butler, 8, died February 15, 2021. Tripp was born in Lakeland, FL on December 12, 2012 to Steve Butler & Beverly Krause. He was a student at Highlands Grove Elementary. Tripp played football and baseball. He loved to read and dance. Tripp was smart stubborn, kind, talkative, energetic, competitive, and always thought he was the smartest in the room, mainly among adults. He loved to be silly and make people laugh. He could never keep a secret. He loved his family and friends, and made sure everyone was included. Tripp is survived by his father Steve Butler; mother Beverly Krause; brother Kobe; grandparents Mike & Loretta Krause, and George & Barbara Butler; uncle Craig and Aunt Trina Boelens; cousins Michaela, Madelyn, & Patrick Boelens. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 2:ooPM at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801.