Lester Ray Butler was born in Koshkonong, Missouri, the son of Harold Otis “Pete” Butler and Venita Hutson Butler, on June 1, 1949, and left this world at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri, on July 23, 2018, at the age of 69 years.
He was united in marriage on December 5, 2017, in Alton, Missouri, to Carolyn Sue Bowles.
Lester is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Butler of Koshkonong, Missouri; one daughter, Stacie Rae Huffman and husband, Marlin, Koshkonong, Missouri; two brothers, Otis Butler and wife, Karen, of Thayer, Missouri, and Richard Butler and fiancée, Sandra Williams, of West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Carolyn Staley and husband, Ernest, of Koshkonong, Missouri; four stepchildren, Tracy Koch of McRae, Arkansas, Latreasa Samples of Benton, Arkansas, David Ryan of Thayer, Missouri, and Melody Mathews of Ward, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Tanner Huffman of Koshkonong, Missouri, and Kelsie Landreth of Killeen, Texas; one great-grandchild, Bentley Wayne Huffman; eight step-grandchildren; many cousins; other relatives; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Venita Butler; one infant son, Leslie Wayne Butler; and one infant daughter, Crystal Dawn Butler.
Lester was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.
He was a cattle farmer and a bus driver for the Thayer School district, retiring after 48 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Lester will be remembered for his friendliness and big personality. He loved his family and enjoyed time spent with them. He will be missed by his relatives and the community in which he lived.
Graveside services for Lester Butler, age 69, of Koshkonong, Missouri, will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery near Thayer, Missouri with Cousin Charlie Cochran officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery near Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.