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In Memory

John Douglas Butler - Class Of 1967 VIEW PROFILE

John Douglas Butler

John Douglas Butler

Oct. 4, 1949 - May 11, 2013

This story is a reflection on the life of a fervent and faithful man. It tells the cambered path he trod, the handiwork he accomplished, and the many quiet deeds he did - for those he loved, those to whom he felt a particular bond or special connection, and even perfect strangers. But, it is a simple story because he never wanted any credit for it, preferring to help from the background. His reward was knowing he accomplished the task and had made someone else happy.

He was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, and married his wife and raised his own family here. He was a proud graduate of Washington High School and took numerous classes at IUSB. He lived and worked in Michiana, first as an ad runner for the South Bend Tribune, then as an assistant manager for Wickes Lumber. For thirty years he owned his own company, Butler’s Bolt & Nut, Inc. After that, he was Chief Operating Officer for RPS Imaging in Michigan City. His last role (but his favorite job) was serving as Executive Secretary for the Valley of South Bend Scottish Rite.

He was a huge fan of the Indiana Hoosiers and Bobby Knight. He loved NASCAR and followed Mark Martin from the early days (when Mark hung out in North Liberty and came in to buy nuts and bolts from him). He always enjoyed a good game of pinochle (and euchre – a family requirement) and could not wait for the next trip to Las Vegas to play Blackjack. He had a mind for mathematics and business, and he loved a good argument. He also was a true handyman, thanks to his years in 4-H. He could fix just about anything, from faucets to strained relationships, for all of his family members. But, give him a fishing pole and a quiet place to fish, and he was in seventh heaven!

In his public life, this man sincerely respected and was strongly obligated in service to the teachings and members of Freemasonry. He was a member of Masonic Lodge, F. & A.M. No. 294 and 45, the Valley of South Bend and Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, York Rite and Orak Shrine. He served as Worshipful Master of Lodge 294 and in many other capacities throughout his years. He was given the high honor of a Thirty-third Degree Mason by his Brothers. He eventually became Degree Director and served as Scottish Rite Executive Secretary for a short time until his illness took its toll.

He was also a gifted musician who brought music (and joy) to his family and friends. In his younger years, he served as a board member and sang in the choir at Epworth United Methodist Church. He worked with James Lewis Casaday in the Summer Theater Education Program, building sets and acting, as well as working behind the scenes at the Country Playhouse Summer Theater, and Scottish Rite Players. He loved to sing, especially enjoying his years as a member of the Elks Chorus and singing with his wife and his two children. He and his wife actually met in grade school while playing in the orchestra together.

His devotion to his family and friends, however, is what sets his story apart. There was no task too great. He and the girl he married were not only an inseparable team, they were best friends. The life they shared together was one of support, encouragement, love and an occasional difference of opinion. They produced many school musical and theatrical productions over her 32 year teaching career. She directed while he built the sets (along with all the other tech jobs), and they touched the lives of their children and hundreds of students and audience members in doing so. As a dad, he went to every play, concert, sporting event, and activity his kids were involved in, usually volunteering to help in some way. He was devoted to supporting them in all their endeavors. He was also a devoted son, quick to help his parents or his wife’s parents in whatever way they needed, no matter what time of day or night.

This straightforward, yet soft-hearted man was John Douglas Butler, oldest son of his loving parents, Ralph B. and Ruth E. (Jones) Butler. John was born on October 4, 1949 and died on Saturday, May 11, 2013 after losing his hard-fought battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph, and his younger brother, Gary A. Butler (Renee). He married Candace Gayle (Judah) Butler on June 16, 1973. She survives along with their two children, Tobias J. Butler of Atlanta, GA and Lindsey K. Butler of South Bend, along with numerous other relatives. He was a member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church and later on Epworth United Methodist Church.

John’s family sincerely thanks the many friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support during the past year. Their show of concern has been greatly appreciated. A time of visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 3:00 to 8:00pm, with a Masonic memorial service at 7:30pm. The visitation will be at Welsheimer North Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. The funeral service celebrating John’s life will be held at Noon on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 2404 Lincoln Way West, South Bend. The family invites all who are interested to join them for an old-fashioned hymn sing in John’s honor at 11:30am, prior to the service. Rev. Dr. Dexter Garman will officiate. Following John’s request, cremation will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Scottish Rite Almoner’s Fund or the Scottish Rite Children’s Dyslexia Learning Center, c/o Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, 427 N. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Condolences may be made online at www.welsheimer.com.

 

01/06/2022 DEC

 

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