Richard Lewis Butler was born the son of Tom and Blanche King Butler, in Charter Oak, Iowa, on December 7, 1928. He died at St. Luke's Regional Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, on October 28, 2012, at the age of eighty-three.Richard grew up in the Charter Oak area. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1946. He received his training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Most of his tour was spent overseas serving in China, where he specialized as an Amphibious Tractor Crewman. After his discharge he was employed by his brother, Robert, at "Butler Motors".
Richard was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church by Rev. Schroeder. On February 20,1949, he was united in marriage to Lois Neddermeyer and they were blessed with the birth of three sons and one daughter and also raised a grandson. The early years of their marriage were spent farming near Charter Oak. They purchased the grocery store from Lois's parents. Lois managed the grocery store while Richard was employed at the Lloyd Keim filling station until he started working for the Iowa Public Service Company, which he did for 30 years.
Richard was very active in sports. He played many years on the men's ball team. He was very instrumental in building the local football field. He spent many hours after work to complete it. Richard was known as one of the most knowledgeable historians of facts about the Charter Oak community.
Richard was an active fireman many years and served as Fire Chief for several years. He was a member of the Community Club, American Legion, V.F.W. Club, and served as Financial Secretary at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law; one brother, Robert; four sisters-in-law: Jean, Marlene, Nancy, and Verdean; five brothers-in-law: Les, Ralph, Robert, Earl and Chris, Jr.; and one grandson, Raymond.
He is survived by his wife, Lois of 63 years; one daughter, Becky and husband, Keith; three sons, Terry and Janet; Tom and Cindy; and Brian; special grandson, Ted and wife, Kelly; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Blaine and his wife, Lois; and one sister, Ila; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, November 1, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. Rev. Richard Merrill officiated the service and Ted Butler servcd as Crucifer. Inurnment will be at a later date at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Charter Oak. Organist Marjorie Neddermeyer provided accompaniment for congregational hymns, "Lift High The Cross," "Amazing Grace," and "Eternal Father, Strong To Save." "Go Rest High On That Mountain" was played on CD. Honorary Pallbearers were Don and Marlene McCall and Gene and Lori Kragel. Serving as Pallbearers were Nicholas Meadows, Dylan Meadows, Steve Butler, Tyler Butler, Heath Butler, and Jack Butler. Military Honors were provided by American Legion Homer Hall Post 66 of Charter Oak, American Legion Post 442 and VFW Post 5605 of Ute, Iowa. A Prayer Service was held at the Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak on Wednesday evening at 5 P.M. The family invited everyone to the Community Building for fellowship and lunch served by provided by Staley's and the Ladies Aid. The Huebner Funeral Home in Charter Oak was in charge of arrangements.
