Obituary of David Leo Butler

David Leo Butler was born on July 27, 1940 in Monroe.   He was the son of the late Roy and Lavina (Busenbark) Butler.   David was raised in a large family with seven siblings attending Lincoln School and Monroe High School graduating in 1958.   He enlisted in the United States Army serving his country honorably from 1958-1961.    

David married the love of his life, Holly Atkinson, on November 7, 1964 in San Bernardino, California. From this union came the birth of four children.   David was an excellent provider for his family, working as a tool-and-die maker for Ford Motor Company.   His career spanned more than thirty-one years retiring in 1995.

Following retirement, David completed his Culinary Arts Degree through Monroe County Community College.   He had a passion for cooking and for some time worked as a chef for Greenfield Village and for the City of Monroe.

In their spare time, David enjoyed golfing with his love, Holly at the Dundee Golf Club.   They had also been blessed to winter in Florida the past fifteen years.   A family man to the core he was often present at his grandchildren’s sporting events to cheer them on, and as a talented chip carver, David made intricate jewelry boxes and treasure chests for his loved ones.  

David, age 77, of Monroe passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018 in Florida.   In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by brothers:  Leo, Roy Jr., Leon, and Walter Butler; sister:  Alice Monday and Ilene Vickers; and a half-brother: Leo Butler Jr.

To cherish his memory, David leaves his beloved wife: Holly of Monroe; four children: Tonya (David) Miller of Arroyo Grande, California, Scott, Adam, and Jason (Carla) Butler all of Monroe; one sister: Minnie Ridner of Indiana; half-sister:  Susan Butler; half-brother:  Fred (Amal) Butler, and an adopted brother:  Ron (Cathy) Patterson; nine grandchildren: Mark Miller, Keren (Andrew) Erdman, Grace, Jacob, Faith, Luke, Paige, Lexi and Cole Butler; and three great grandsons: Aiden Roy Miller, Parker Erdman, and Tatum Erdman.

Friends may gather on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 2:00-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185.   A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 also at Merkle’s with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.   A private burial will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park. 

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Tuition Fund.   Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.