Gordon Douglas Butler

Gordon Douglas Butler, known to most as Doug, or Pastor Doug, was born February 24, 1936 and passed on January 30, 2025. Doug was born in Dodge City, Kansas to parents Lester and Flossie Butler. Doug had an older sister, Barbara, older brother Noble, and younger brother David. Due to the close ages of the boys, Noble, Doug and David, referred to as “those Butler boys” were known for causing mischief and fun through their years at public school. Doug was always motivated to play basketball and maintained that love throughout his life, whether it was playing the occasional pickup game in his adult life or avidly watching a KU basketball game. His other passion was music, either listening or performing, really enjoying his time singing with the Tumbleweed Barbershop Quartet and Choir.

After high school, Doug married his childhood sweetheart, Bonnie Lee Wilson. During the next few years, Doug completed college at Washburn University and received his Master’s at Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City. During that time, they welcomed their first child, Ronda Lee. Doug accepted positions as a minister in various locations in Kansas and Colorado. During those years, they adopted their son, Ross Wilson. In 1969, they moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Doug served as the minister at Westover Baptist Church. While there, they welcomed their third child, Raphael Douglas. In 1980, Doug changed careers and moved to Goodland, Kansas, working as the manager of the Welcome Inn hotel at the Husky Truck Stop. Doug and Bonnie divorced and a few years later, he met and wed Eula Flohrschutz in 1987. Shortly after this, Doug and Eula moved to California where Doug resumed his role in ministry. He was a part of a group that was starting a new church in Oakley, California. Then after five years, he answered a call to Wedgewood Church in Seattle, Washington. After 7 years he decided to go to Stockton, California to retire, but the Lord still had more for him, as he came on staff at First Baptist Church in Stockton as Pastor to the seniors. After another 12 years, Doug retired from this role and moved to Wichita, Kansas in full retirement, but still served in a leadership role at Prairie Homestead Senior Living Center where he lived until his passing.

Doug’s greatest possession was his relationship with the Lord. He was in a constant state of prayer, always asking for which way to be led and he moved forth without fear. His greatest desire was to bring the Word of God to life for others so that they may know the beauty and wonder of God and the life that God had prepared for them. Every decision he made was due to his faith and belief. Doug would be the first to tell you that he often fell short in life but through God’s grace and forgiveness, he continued the next day to be better. He loved being in the fellowship of others and sharing the joys that God brought to all. Doug also held a great love for his wife, Eula, his children, and Eula’s children who have loved him as their real dad. He relished the role of husband, father, and grandfather. His favorite enjoyment, other than a KU win, was watching the successes of his family. He was willing to sacrifice all that he had to try and help others find success in their lives and was always wishing that he could give more. Doug lived his life trying to be all that God needed him to be.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Flossie (Taylor) Butler, his sister, Barbara (Fred) Hibbard and his brothers, Noble Butler and David (Karen) Butler. His survivors include his wife, Eula (Wulfkuhle) Butler; children, Ronda Worden, Ross and Ginger Butler and Raphael Butler; step-children, Tim and Diana Flohrschutz, Joy Meyers, Jane Flohrschutz (Scott Serna), and James (Maribel) Florschutz; sister-in-law, Maren Miller; grandchildren, Brittany Butler (Steven Seltman), Zane Worden, Brooke (Jakob) Lovendahl and Ava Butler; several step grand and great-grandchildren; nephew, Gordon Hibbard and nieces, Sara McGovern, Val Walker, Lauren Butler, Nick Butler, Kristin Butler and Kari Davala.

Memorials may be made to:

Prairie Homestead
1605 W. May St.
Wichita, KS 67213
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Meridian Ave. Baptist Church
200 N. Meridian Ave.
Wichita, KS 67203
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Homestead Health Center
2133 S. Elizabeth St.
Wichita, KS 67213