Benny Lee Butcher

Ben Butcher, in one word, was kind. Most obituaries list the schools, careers, and recognition a man garners in his life. But this one is different. Because he was different. He adventured across the country over his lifetime, from the beaches of Santa Monica, to the redwood forests, to the Joshua trees of the Mojave. He chased after hurricanes in the Carolinas, road tripped to every corner of the country, and made a home in the red clay and lush green of the Ozark Mountains. He had kids in tow most of his life, young or grown, it didn’t matter. He adored them, and spent his life making sure they knew it. Love was what he was good at. Every stranger became a friend. Everyone he was with felt like they were the only person in the world. He lived in the moment, savored every cup of coffee, and felt every bit of a good blues song. He lived a full life. He spent it tapping his foot to good music, showing love and kindness to people and creatures, great and small, and lighting smokes for those strangers who would become instant friends. He gave what he could to who he could help, he took the time to make the calls to make us all feel seen, and he sat with the sick and the dying. He has left us now on this earth, but because he left his light in those of us who were lucky enough to be loved by him, did the world not get a little dimmer.

"That's how it happens living life by the drop
Up and down the road in our worn down shoes
Talking about good things and singing the blues
You went your way and I stayed behind
We both knew it was just a matter of time"

-Stevie Ray Vaughan

      He left his legacy, light, and kindness in five children- Suzan, Elizabeth, Christopher, Emily, and Patrick, seven grandchildren- Caprisha, Jonathon, Jarred, Harley, Haley, Carter, and Blaire, and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Charlene, and his youngest son Patrick. McDonald’s will soon go out of business, as he kept them afloat with his coffee habit.

Join us to celebrate dad's life on Saturday February 4th at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church on the Galena square. Services will be led by Chris Butcher. If you drive by I'm guessing that it will be the first time that you will hear BB King coming from inside , Dad will be smiling down.