Donald R Butler

Our beloved Donald Ray Butler entered eternal rest and peace on November 22, 2022. He was 85 years old.

Don was born to Harold and Ardeth Butler in Madera, California on August 1, 1937. He was raised in Madera. He grew up with his older brother Jerry. His senior year in high school Don decided to join the U.S. Navy along with several of his friends. When he arrived for duty, he was surprised to find that he was one of only two of the group to show up.

While in the Navy he learned the craft of Carpentry. He traveled the world while serving on two ships: The USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier and the Iowa-class Battleship Missouri.

The carpentry skills learned in the Navy were the basis of a lifetime career in all aspects of carpentry and construction. He remained a carpenter until his retirement.

About 25 years ago he fulfilled one of his longtime dreams of moving to the mountains, by moving to Mariposa, CA. He stayed there until health issues brought him back to the Valley 2 years ago to live with his son, Ron, and daughter-in-law, Maria, and their children and grandchildren in the Madera Ranchos.

Don is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Butler, their parents, Harold and Ardeth Butler, and his partner of nearly 30 years, Carol Turl.

He is survived by his children Ron Butler, Shari Wells, Corey Butler, & their families, Step-daughters Daphne Lovelady, Darla Prosperi, and Danette, Jovahnna Turl and his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Jay Chapel on December 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm with interment to follow at Arbor Vitae Cemetery.