Charles O. Butner

About

Washburn University

Charles Butner Obituary

Charles O. Butner, 96, Topeka, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2003, in his home. He was born on March 4, 1907 in Dover to William David and Carrie Ellen Waln Butner. Charles was a 1927 graduate of The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. He was the owner/operator of five Butner IGA stores in the Topeka area. He was an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Orient Lodge No. 51, AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite, Shrine Temple and Beulah Chapter No. 34, OES. Mr. Butner was a past district governor of Rotary International, a member of Topeka Chamber of Commerce, board of directors member with the Salvation Army, and trustee emeritus of Washburn University. He was also past president of the Kansas Food Dealers Association and former director of the National Association of Retail Grocers of the United States. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, reaching the rank of Chief Yeoman. He married Linnie Lucille Mischke on Nov. 27, 1930. She passed away Sept. 30, 1981. Charles married Gertrude Weber Eckert on May 17, 1985. She survives. Other survivors are one son, Steven Edward Butner; stepchildren, Louise Reilly and Ted Eckert; seven grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Mr. Butner will lie in state on Tuesday, beginning at noon, in Penwell-Gabel Mid Town. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, or to Heartland Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jun. 23, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Butner

9 Entries

Marsha (Long) Ericson

July 1, 2003

My "Great" Uncle Charlie...what a special guy. I've been reading all the wonderful comments...WOW (!) he made ME feel special too! I've been hesitant to write anything because I had nothing different to say. He WAS truly interested in all of us. He DID remember all of us. The ready smile, the twinkle in his eyes. The genuine kindness, caring and pride that he showed not only toward his immediate family but to his extended family, as well.
I remember as a child, my Mother Helen (Butner) Long, had referred to MY Uncle Charlie as HER Uncle...I had to ask, "isn't he MY Uncle? I thought he was MY Uncle"? To which my Mother replied, "no dear, he's your 'Great' Uncle Charlie". Good-bye Dear Uncle, thanks for the memories.

Shara Stacks

June 25, 2003

My father sacked groceries and made home deliveries in the 1950's for Mr. Butner. I heard stories my entire life about Mr. Butner and his stores. My father always enjoyed visiting with him. My father stayed in the grocery business his entire working career. Thank you Mr. Butner for starting him off right!

Jim Singer

June 25, 2003

All of us want to be loved unconditionally by someone who loves us for being exactly who we are. Someone who makes us feel as if we were the most important person in the world. Uncle Charlie was such a person and the amazing thing was he did that for everyone in his life. Thank God for allowing this special angel to be among us for many years. His spirit will continue to be a measure for us and will always make our lives just a little bit better.

Tracy and Aaron Atkins

June 24, 2003

Charlie was a wonderful man. He was very kind and full of life. We always looked up to him for how he lived life to the fullest and was kind to everyone. We hope our life is as full and fun as his was. We truly admired him.

Randy Rahberg

June 24, 2003

The family patriarch is now gone, but will never be forgotten. Uncle Charlie was the kindest, most honest, hard-working, family-oriented man I've ever known. He always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He remembered every name of every family member--even three generations down! We will miss him terribly, but the world is a better place because of him. I know he has joined all those family members who preceded him in heaven, and is having a grand reunion with them all!

david long

June 23, 2003

What an honor it was to do business with Charlie. He was one of the last Classy business persons in that he demanded performance and service. His monetary payment was always appreciated but his words of confidence and praise were invaluable. I'm sure he rewarded others in his years of business relationships. I'll miss Charlie.

Kevin Singer

June 23, 2003

Uncle Charlie made everyone he was around feel better. He would always ask about your life, your children, your parents, your job. You always felt that you were special with him around.

Bev Lueers

June 23, 2003

I didn't know "Uncle Charlie" for very long, but I feel blessed that I met him. He was a true gentleman and made everyone feel important. Combine that with his intelligence and talents and he was truly a great man.

Russell E. Butner

June 23, 2003

My Uncle Charlie was the salt of the earth. He always had an encouraging word for me and a smile that I'll never forget. Charlie was a true entrepreneur in every sense who had a penchant for success that he shared with the people he met. He was an inspiration to me... Russ Butner, Atlanta, GA

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results