Donald Bütte

1950 - 2026

Donald Gene Butte, age 75, slipped peacefully into his heavenly home on March 7, 2026, after courageously facing gastric cancer for more than a year. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his wife and daughter as he made his gentle departure. Born December 9, 1950 to the late Clark and Mildred Butte.of Eubank, Kentucky.



Music was one of Don's earliest gifts. At just 12 years old, he began playing the piano and organ for worship services at Eubank Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong ministry of sharing his God-given talent. For 25 years, he filled the sanctuary of Chevy Chase Baptist Church with music that lifted hearts and deepened faith. Don often said he felt closest to God when his hands were on the keys.

It was in that very sanctuary, on an ordinary Sunday, that he was playing "Chariots of Fire" when a young woman walked through the doors-and time stood still. Their eyes met, and the rest unfolded like a story written just for them. Don and Mary fell in love quickly, marrying eight months after their first date. For 38 years they built a life defined by devotion, laughter, and an inseparable partnership of love and support for each other. Their daughter, Sarah Kathryn (Katie), was born 5 years later and became the light of Don's life, and he adored her with a depth that everyone around them could see.



A graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Certified Public Accountant, Don dedicated 40 years of his career to Fasig-Tipton Thoroughbred Sales. At the helm of Fasig-Tipton's accounting and financial operations, Don worked with buyers and sellers from around the world and handled the financial transactions for some of the most expensive racehorses ever sold. He was respected not only for his expertise, but also for his integrity, humility and calm professionalism. He and Mary moved to Southwest Florida in 2019 and he retired to spend time on the water listening to Jimmy Buffet in 2021.



Nothing delighted Don more than welcoming family to their home and treating them to the beauty of Sanibel and Captiva. He loved discovering new waterfront restaurants, especially the hidden gems, though his heart always belonged to the Mucky Duck where he loved to watch the sunset.



Don is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou Lee Butte; their daughter, Sarah Kathryn (Katie) Butte; and his loyal canine companions, Schnitzel and Noodle. He is also survived by his caring brother, Harold Butler, and his wife, Anne; of Louisville, by nieces and nephews; and a large extended family on Mary's side.



Services will be conducted by Rev. Chuck Kemp on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Clintonville Christian Church, 141 Austerlitz Road, Paris, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m. Those wishing to honor Don's memory may do so with a gift to Clintonville Christian Church or the Paris Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 6 Legion Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361.