ShawneeDispatch.com

Three Bonner Springs residents died Friday in a single-car crash on Interstate 70 just east of the Kansas Highway 7 exit.

At 3:30 p.m., a westbound minivan carrying Guiseppe "Butch" Lombardo, 47, and his sons Guiseppe Lombardo III, 26, and Antonino Lombardo, 24, overturned near the Riverview Bridge.

Only the driver, Guiseppe III, was wearing his seat belt, according to the Kansas Turnpike Authority. The other two men were thrown from the vehicle, and all three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Butch Lombardo was born Feb. 11, 1957, in Kansas City, Mo., to Joseph and Emagene Lombardo. He is survived by his wife, Cindi Sue; his daughter, Dara Ann DeSoto; his mother, Gene; his brother, Michael; and his sister, Dorothy.

He was known as "Uncle Butch" to countless people. He was a hard worker, an inventor, a general "do-it-yourself" genius who could fix anything.

He was an artist and a musician, an auto mechanic and a wood worker. He was an herbalist and an expert with a sewing machine. But although his talents were many, his passions were two. Butch loved family, and all that entered his life became family. He was also a passionate follower of Jesus Christ.

Butch completed four years of Bible college and then taught at the same college. Although Butch never sought a following, he never lacked anxious listeners. He taught from the youngest child to the most seasoned adult. In 2002, Butch started the Sower's Field Bible College. He taught free of charge, and would have it no other way.

Guiseppe Domiono Michael Lombardo III was born April 16, 1978, in Kansas City, Mo. His brother, Antonino Michael Vincento Lombardo I, was born November 2, 1979, in Overland Park. Guiseppe and Nino are survived by their mother, Cindi Sue, and sister, Dara Ann.

A memorial celebration for all three men was held Sunday at the Full Faith Church of Love in Shawnee. Funeral services were Monday at the church. Arrangements by Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, 631-5566.