Duane Butler

In today’s society, material possessions tend to be a benchmark to measure a man’s success. Too many times, the simpler qualities, such as faith, dedication to family and hard work are easily overlooked when judging a man’s character. Duane Butler was not someone consumed by material gains in life but by the satisfaction of putting his family first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand.

In 1936, the United States was still struggling to surface from the effects of the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt continued to enact his domestic reform program called the New Deal, while political conflicts in Europe were also making headline news. Within three years, World War II would escort a new generation of men into the horrors of battle.

Duane was born on July 20, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was one of five children born to Thorwald and Edith Butler. Growing up, Duane was “all boy” and loved to venture off and discover the unknown in the area around their home in Richland. When he was 9, his family began attending church at The Salvation Army, and being a member of this community was always an important part of Duane’s life. He received his education in the area schools and graduated from Richland Agricultural High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, Duane enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

On January 22, 1966, a wonderful thing happened to Duane – he was introduced to the love of his life, Faye Johnson, through a mutual friend. They had much in common from the start for they each had three children of their own, making them much like the “Brady bunch.” Nonetheless, love was in the air and after only 6 months of courtship, Duane and Faye were happily married on July 16, 1966, and their families merged into one.

Over the next several years, the family moved around the Kalamazoo and Richland area. Duane once settled his family on a small farm in Bloomingdale, where they raised 60 hogs and 10 horses. In 1979, the family left the farm and moved to the Plainwell area for a few years, before putting down roots for a while in Grand Junction in 1982. Here, Duane and Faye bought a store they called Country Cupboard, which they worked together until retiring in 1997. They then moved back to Plainwell to enjoy their retirement years.

One of Duane’s most admirable traits was his tremendous work ethic. He did whatever it took to provide for his family, and worked various jobs throughout his life in order to do this, including driving a delivery truck for many years. By example, Duane taught his children the importance of responsibility and of working hard too. Because of his teachings, his daughter was able to operate many of the farm machinery herself, and his son fixed and repaired motors of all kinds. With Duane’s great sense of humor and constant smile, he made it fun to learn and a great example to learn from.

For several years, Duane had not been active at The Salvation Army, but by the late 1990s, he missed it terribly and went back. He volunteered for many activities, including driving the school and church bus, helping with the kettle drives and singing in the choir. Duane also participated in the Men’s Club and regularly attended church worship.

For some fun, Duane used to have a race car and there was nothing like the roar of that engine to get your heart racing. He also enjoyed doing woodworking in his leisure time and made stools for just about everyone in the family. As a great cook, Duane could often be found in the kitchen, whipping something delicious up for his family. And when relaxing, he liked to watch some PBR Bull Riding or Hee Haw on TV, or listen to some good old country western music. Above all, though, Duane was happiest spending time with his family, who he held so dear to his heart.

Duane Butler was the kindest, most caring man who tried each day to share his happiness with his loved ones. He will be deeply missed, yet his kindness, wonderful sense of humor and warm, friendly smile leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Duane W. Butler, 71 of Plainwell, MI, died on Friday, April 25, 2008, in Kalamazoo. Learn more about Duane, view his life story film and visit with his family and friends on Monday, April 28, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell. On Tuesday, April 29, a luncheon will be held at 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church in Kalamazoo for family and friends, followed by visitation at 2 p.m. and then Duane’s funeral will begin at 3 p.m. In addition to his wife of 42 years, Faye, members of Duane’s family include his children: Robert (Joanne) Johnson, Carlene (Ron) Stickler, Pamela Butler, Michael (Rose) Johnson, Mark (Lara) Butler, Tim Butler; 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Patrick Butler and Susan Strait. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Thorwald and Edith Butler, and two brothers. Please visit Duane’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.