Donald L. Butler, 94, passed away on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, at Goldwater Care in Pontiac, IL. He was surrounded by family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Donald Lawrence Butler was born in Euclid, Ohio on July 25, 1930 to Edna Margurite (Guiessen) Butler and William Harland Butler. He married the love of his life Ruth P. Willey, of Hillsboro, Ohio, on December 27, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio.

Don leaves behind two daughters, Cheryl (Edward) Palen, of Forrest, and Debbie (Bob) Jank, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and one son, Randal (Michelle) Butler, of Monticello. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Michael Palen, Zachery Palen, Katelyn Palen, Lyndsey Monahan, Kellee Bosecker, Sarah Edelman, Amanda Butler, and Joshua Butler, and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, his brother Robert Butler, and grandson Jacob Butler

Don graduated from Ohio State University in 1953 with a Master's Degree in Poultry Science. He served in the service during the Korean Conflict as a 2nd Lt., Army. After service he was employed by Orville Hatchery in Butler, PA. and then came to Illinois to work for Honegger Farms, and later Corn Belt Hatcheries, Corn Belt Chicks, which he owned. His last job was with the Helfrich Wildlife Propagation Center as site supervisor, and Edward R. Madigan State Park. Don also served on the Governor's Advisory Council for Poultry under Governor Thompson.

Don was a member of the Forrest United Methodist Church, past church board president, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Lions Club secretary, PTA Chairman, School Board member for nine years (five years as Chairman).

Upon retirement he devoted much of his time to his hobby of Intarsia. He had a lifetime passion for fishing.

Don moved to the Villas of Hollybrook in Gibson City in 2017 and then transferred to Goldwater Care in Pontiac in January of 2024. Both places were so good for our dad. We loved the care they gave him.

We wish to reach out and thank Goldwater Care in Pontiac, IL for their love and care of our father. We could not ask for a better place for dad.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The Alzheimer's Association.

He will be missed but we know he is with mom – he is at peace.