WILBUR R. BUTLER, JR. age 78, beloved husband for 21 years of Sandi J. (nee Burkholder); loving father of Cynthia (Paul) Carson, Dawn (Jason) Perry, Casey Carson, Jamie (Ty) Vance, Jana (Chris) Modarelli; devoted grandfather of Jack, Katie, Zoey, Dylan, Lana, Jayce, Olivia, and Ella and great-grandfather of Westyn and Landon; cherished son of the late Wilbur R. and Stella K. (nee Klatka); dearest brother of Paula Levin.
Wilbur was born on February 5, 1943 and passed away on December 19, 2021in Chardon, Ohio. He enjoyed golfing and working on his own farm as a Thoroughbred Horse Trainer. However, it was the family that he and Sandi perfectly blended that gave him the most enjoyment in life. Being a girl dad was not always easy, but he loved teaching them to ride and sharing the love of horses with them, as well as simply being a father to them all. If there was anything Will loved more than being a husband and father, it was being a Papa. Like his children, he taught them how to ride and compete in and bet on horse races. He was the papa teaching his grandchildren how to work hard and play harder, whether that meant learning how to drive a tractor or play a great round of golf. He was patient and loyal. Making it to as many softball games or school activities as he possibly could. Will was an honest man and that sometimes meant you were not going to like what he had to say. He had a way of letting you know his opinion without necessarily asking for it. He was smart and strong. He loved his children more than anything and sacrificed his youth and his own dreams to provide a great life for his daughters. He was strong on the outside, but his heart was huge and if you knew the real Wilbur R. Butler you would know this was a man that would save a crow with a hurt wing, or a baby turtle, and quietly care for his aging mother without her knowing he was doing it, he made his daughters learn to be independent and know that they could do ANYTHING that they wanted to. He made them feel strong and smart. The world is a sadder place without his soul in it.
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Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.
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Ron Brunsky
Wil was a great friend, who lived his life on his own terms. Every future round of golf will bring thoughts of him and our many conversations. Taken too soon!
Farewell, old friend
Mary Ann Fischer
A gentleman and good person. He will be missed —condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Paula Levin
Will was my one and only big brother, I love him and I will miss him so very much. So sorry to lose him too soon.
Linda Kerchenski
Wilbur you are sorely missed. Always loved. Cousin Linda.
Christine Adkins
Jody Cindy and Janet I am so sorry for your loss I am lifting you and your entire family up in prayer we love you all
Patricia Kachmarik
On behalf of all the Kachmarik’s. Sandi we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the family at this time. We will celebrate his life when we all gather for a cousins dinner very soon!
MICHAEL HYATT
You and your family are in our prayers Sandi. We are so sorry for your loss, but now he is in Heaven and he can look down on us and guide us! ! !
Nancy Molnar
Mike hope to see you at 1972 reunion
Dixie Shaughnessy Carnahan
Sandi am so very sorry for your loss. And your right nothing can prepare you for such a loss. Sending hug’s and prayers.
Robert Mcwhorter
My man Wilbur, Wow what a good guy very intelligent,Patient,Soft spoken,Laidback and always talking about sandi, I’d be riding his horse and he would tell me how he thought the race would likely set up and I’d ask where is sandi? He’d say oh she’s coming she is on her way and leg me up. And I’ll tell you he knew his horses. He’d usually tell you where the horse would finish. If he though we were fit enough etc. I’m so sorry sandi
Steve
Cousins are family too and I will deeply miss Wilbur at our gatherings ..
Martha Gezzar
Our prayers to the entire Butler family. He truly was a rare breed and will be missed.
John E. Woodard
Sorry to hear about Wilbur. I had many good times with him hunting and trapping in the early 50’s. I especially enjoyed the animals in his backyard, in particular the rabbit and the woodchuck that he took care of as pets.
Norman Timinski
Wilbur and I worked together in the same department at TRW in the mid to late nineties. We had some enjoyable times there and sharing our travels from Chardon to work in Euclid. We lost touch through the years, but a few years back, rekindled a friendship. Wilbur and my late wife were class mates as well.
You’re missed Wilbur and I will always regret not seeing you and Sandy this last summer, due to hurricane presence.
God bless your family as they cherish your memories.