John Thomas Butler

April 15th, 1933 - July 10th, 2021

John's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of John here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

When I think of my Uncle Tom, I think of a cheerful, energized, and very active man. I never spent long in his presence, as we lived at least 10 hours away, but I knew I and my family were welcome in his home. My Father, Barb's brother, passed away in 1982, which makes me extremely appreciative of Uncle Tom's and Aunt Barb's willingness to stay connected directly to me through birthday and Christmas cards and phone calls all these many years. They came to my wedding and even made an in-person visit one summer on their way back from Florida to meet my children - what more could a niece ask for! Thank you for keeping up with me and my family, it truly means so much. I had forgotten that Uncle Tom's full name is John Thomas; my son-in-law, John Spicknall, is also named John Thomas, which makes for a special connection in my heart. I'm privileged to have known him and have him as part of my family. Aunt Barb, Debbie, David, and Brent please know you are in my prayers.

Carrie McWhorter

July 22nd, 2021 at 9:28am

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Butler family, I remember Mr. Butler as always being very kind. Debbie was in the class of 76, David was in my graduating class since elementary school and was kind as well and extremely intelligent, and Brent I remember being the youngest at about 5-6 years old at the time. I remember Tom ("Mr. Butler" to me when I was just a grade school kid) when he enjoyed being involved as a HAM radio operator with his HAM radio he had set up in the Butler's house. I remember this because Mrs. Butler was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts/Webelo's of which I was a part of along with David Butler, Dale Rupley, Ken Clark, Mike Locey, Joe Fellows, David Watts and a few others. And I remember always going to the Butler's home for those Den Meetings after school. The Butler's had a very old antique safe they kept in the garage. We were all curious boys and when our Den meeting was over with, most of us hung out in the garage with some of us waiting for our parents to pick us up, and I specifically remember little Brent seeing if he could squeeze into and shut himself inside that small old antique safe and still be able to completely shut the door of the safe all while several of us Cub Scout boys stood around trying to get the safe's door to unlock and reopen with no success and while Mrs. Butler tried as well, but she ended up having to call the St. Joseph Fire Department, but thankfully, little Brent kept trying to work the door lock mechanisms within the safe door and somehow he miraculously was able to unlock the safe's door just as the fire department arrived. It was a very scary event. I also remember Tom and daughter Debbie belonging to the Seinan (Spelling) Judo Club. I also remember Tom bringing his HAM Radio out to the Main Lodge at Camp Madron during one of the Boy Scout/Webelo winter meetings which was always a ton of fun. This all happened in the late 1960's. Such good/precious memories from those days. God bless the Butler family----my sympathy goes out to them during their difficult time of loss. God loves us all---everyone. Jesus said; "I am the Door (or Gate), whoever enters in thru Me will be saved...." John 10:9

Mark Sperlik

July 14th, 2021 at 11:12am

In our family, Tom quietly was the perfect son-in-law/brother-in-law, helping to make things happen, making the way smoother than it might have otherwise been. He knew what needed to be done and he did it without a thought. After a big family meal he was up and into the kitchen cleaning up as he saw his share in providing for his family and guests. That’s just part of who he was. And he was so much more. So loving and so well loved. Kind. Kind. Honest, and kind. Thoughtful, appreciative, funny, straight and direct. As a big part in the family and in the community, he was a living part of the greater family of man. Unassuming, considerate, wise and caring. The clear eyes in his photo here reflect who Tom Butler was. Now he’s at peace.

Our love goes with him. Seija Smith

Seija Smith

July 13th, 2021 at 10:17pm

Dad, with all my heart, I thank you for who you are - a good, kind and loving father. You raised me up with a strong, yet tender faith. You have always been my hero. Your positive attitude through thick and thin shaped my character, to be like you! I will remember you always through the sounds of laughter, sun shining down, rolling waves of Lake Michigan, and the love you shared with everyone. Thank you for your note in your Bible this morning - “For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you.” - Colossians 2:5 Blessings and peace til we meet again! I’ll love you forever and then some, Deb.