Donald G. Butler

Donald Guy Butler, 90, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. A celebration of life will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Kearney First United Methodist Church with the Pastor Matt Fowler officiating. Don was born October 9, 1933 to Robert and Aurcelia (Pester) Butler in Ansley, Nebraska. He grew up in the home built by his grandfather in 1898. Don graduated from Ansley high school in 1951. He joined the Army in 1954 and served in Germany. Returning home he married the love of his life Ardith (Allen) Butler in 1956. They were married 64 years. In 1958 they moved to Kearney where they raised four boys, Alan, David, Jon, and Bradley. Don attended Kearney State College and owned and operated Crossroads Standard Service Station on 25th and 2nd Avenue until 1972. He also worked for Nebraska Propane, All Makes Auto Supply, Sahling Kenworth, and then for nearly 20 years driving the Bookmobile for Kearney Public Library. Don was a member of the Kearney Fire Department for 31 years beginning in 1969. He served as President, Vice President, and on the EMS board. He was also a member of the Kearney First United Methodist Church, Masons, Eagles, and American Legion. Don enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing. He and Ardith worked on many home improvement projects for themselves and their kids. Don was generous with his time and had the ability to fix almost anything including vehicles. They enjoyed hosting crowds for Cruise Night each July. Most of all Don loved spending time with his family and friends. Don was proceeded in death by his wife, Ardith; son, David; daughter-in-law, Christine Butler; sister, Marcia Cole; brothers-in-law, Bob Cole and Rod Berryman. Left to cherish his memory are sons and daughters-in-law, Alan (Jill) Butler of Elkhorn, Jon (Jacquie) Butler of Kearney, Bradley Butler of Kearney and Merry Butler of Twin Falls, Idaho; sister-in-law, Carol Berryman of McCook; grandchildren, Daniel Butler of Omaha, Craig (Hilary) Butler of Wahoo, Zachary Butler of Des Moines, Drew (Amanda) Butler of Omaha, Hayden Butler of Kansas City, Katie Butler of Kearney, Cole Butler of Omaha, McKenna (Alec) Sovereign of Lincoln, Megan Butler of Kearney and Jessica (Ben) McCleary-Smith of Pullman WA; 3 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and close friends from his school days and early married life. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later as an honorable tribute to Don‘s life. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Donald G. Butler

October 9, 1933 - February 21, 2024