John William Butler

John William Butler, age 91, was reunited with his loving wife, Mary, Thursday, January 30, 2025.

He was born in Salem, Arkansas on June 28, 1933. He is preceded in life by his parents, William Kennard and Emma Mae Butler; his wife, Mary Margaret Butler; and his sister, Eddie Jane Dean.

He attended Northeast High School and graduated in 1952 before enlisting the in United States Army in August 1953, receiving a National Defense Service medal. He married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Dougherty in July 1955. They were married for a wonderful 65 years.

John was a wood worker and cabinet maker, working at Pacific Mutual Door before starting his own business, Butler’s Refinishing and Upholstery in 1969. He was a perfectionist at what he did, creating beautiful restorations of antique furniture for over 35 years. Upon retiring from the refinishing business, he and his wife moved to Lexington, Missouri and ran a bed and breakfast, Mainstreet Memories, for 20 years out of their beautiful 1915 Greek Revival home. They enjoyed hosting families from across the country who would visit their cadets at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington.

Anyone who knew him, knew that he loved fishing and hunting – both favorite pastimes. He also had a love of antique cars, restoring several himself, as well as with his son, Kevin; son-in-law, Brian; and grandson, Ryan.

John is survived by his loving family; son, Kevin Butler (Louisburg, Kansas); daughter, Michele (Brian) Fry (Excelsior Springs, Missouri); sister, Juanita Mae Highfill (Bolivar, Missouri); brother, Larry Dean Butler (Kansas City, Missouri); his grandchildren, Kyle (Michelle) Butler (Lenexa, Kansas), Jamie (Jess) Butler (Cleveland, Georgia), Ingrid Butler (Louisburg, Kansas), Ryan (Emily) Butler (Kearney, Missouri), Brennan Fry, Brandon Fry (both of Excelsior Springs, Missouri). John was also blessed with seven great grandchildren and three Heavenly great grandchildren. The love he had for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was great. He will be missed dearly by all.

There will be a visitation Friday, February 7, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, Missouri 64067. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 am. Interment with Military Honors will be at Machpelah Cemetery, Lexington, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Assistance League - Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, Missouri. Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com.