Lowell Butler

LOWELL BUTLER

LIMA — Lowell R. Butler, 91, of Westerville, OH, formerly of Lima, OH, passed quietly and peacefully at 6:00 PM on 30 November 2015, surrounded by his family.

Lowell was born in Lima, OH, on 9 May 1924 to Guy C. and Goldie M. Butler. His early life was spent on South Main Street in Lima living closely with his extended family. As an avid sportsman, his father took him hunting and fishing and taught him a lifelong love and respect for nature and the outdoors. He attended Lima South High School where he met his future bride, the principal's daughter. In high school he played in the marching band and also a dance band, "The Swingcopators", formed by his friends and him. They played for school dances and other functions. Upon graduation he attended Ohio Northern University to follow in his father's footsteps as a pharmacist and a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

As was the case with many of the Greatest Generation, Lowell's college education was interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and served in the 96th Infantry Division, 321st Medical Battalion, during combat operations in Leyte, Philippine Islands, and the island of Okinawa. Promoted to T/4, Lowell was assigned to a casualty collecting company where he was in charge of a squad who evacuated wounded soldiers from the field. His combat experience ended when he was wounded near Shuri Hill in May 1945. He was evacuated to the island of Guam where he was still recovering on VJ Day. During his time in the military he was awarded the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Medical Badge, along with several unit and campaign decorations. Lowell's mother saved and re-typed every letter he sent home during his WWII experience, and in recent years he shared that binder with his family.

Lowell married Jane Davis on 22 December 1945, which began a love story that was cut short after only 69 years when she passed on 11 May 2015. As a couple they were active in the community and loved to travel. Lowell was a member and Past-President of the Lima Rotary Club and a member and Past-Commodore of the Indian Lake Yacht Club. He loved sailing, ice-boating, snorkeling, spear-fishing, and board-sailing. He walked almost daily and especially enjoyed hiking near lakes or rivers. Lowell remained physically active taking a 2 and 1/2 mile hike at Inniswood Park just two weeks ago.

Lowell was a registered pharmacist and co-owned Butler Drug Store on South Main St from 1947 until 1989. His cousin, Fred Butler, and he ran a business that was known for integrity and caring service to the community. Many of the staff at the store were like family and have been a source of friendship and pride through the years. When the oral polio vaccine was released to the public, Lowell was an integral part of making sure the residents of Allen county would be protected from the polio virus by taking his family on local TV and administering the vaccine to them.

Lowell is survived by his sons Steven D. (Linda) Butler of Westerville, OH, Christopher M. (Mary) Butler, Munich, GE, and Mark E. (Mary) Butler of Beavercreek, OH, seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and an infant daughter, Patricia Joan "Patty Jo" Butler.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Parkside Village in Westerville and Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus for their kindness and compassion.

The family will meet and gather with friends beginning at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 12 December 2015, at SIFERD-ORIANS Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM, and interment at Memorial Park. Rev Bryan Bucher, of Shawnee Methodist Church, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Allen County Historical Society, 620 W. Market St, Lima, OH, 45801. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10