Paul Bute

MORTON – Paul C. Bute, 95, of Frisco, Texas, formerly of Morton, passed away after an illness on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Prestonwood Rehab and Nursing Center in Plano, Texas. He was born on September 11, 1929, in Kempton, Illinois, to Claire and Lela (Bartley) Bute. Paul married Arlene Heinz on June 14, 1958, in Dunlap, Illinois and they enjoyed a beautiful marriage of over 64 years. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2023. Paul was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wesley (Shirley) Bute and granddaughter, Angela Bute. Surviving are daughter, Linda (Kevin) Vinson of The Colony, Texas; two sons, Larry Bute of Canton, Illinois and Kevin (Cynthia) Bute of Winfield, Illinois; granddaughter, Nicole Bute of Winfield, Illinois and grandson, Tyler Bute of Winfield, Illinois. After graduating from Peoria Woodruff High School, Paul attended Bradley University and graduated with a B.S. in Business/Marketing. In 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for 2 years during the Korean War. In 1953, Paul started his career at Sears, Roebuck & Co in St. Louis, Missouri in their training program. At Sears, Paul rose to the rank of National Buyer for Men's Wear based in Chicago, Illinois. He traveled all over the world buying piece goods for men's clothing and suits and retired in 1988 after 35 years. Paul was introduced to Arlene by his stepmother, Ann Bute. Ann and Paul's father Claire were neighbors of Arlene's parents Art and Lois Heinz. Paul had recently returned from Army service in Korea and was visiting his father and stepmother. Ann wanted him to meet this sweet young lady who lived behind them. The match worked! After a 5-year courtship, Paul and Arlene were married in Dunlap and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Daughter Linda was born in 1961 and son Larry came along in 1963. In 1965, after a series of job transfers, Paul and Arlene settled in Downers Grove, Illinois. Within a few years, Paul and Arlene decided to build a brand-new home to support the growing family and in 1969, son Kevin was born one day after moving into the new home. Paul was a devoted father and enjoyed working in the yard. He had a green thumb and later helped his grown children with their own landscaping projects. Paul and Arlene completed many projects around the home such as painting and wallpapering. Paul took on the ambitious project to refinish the basement and turn it into a sewing room and family room. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Paul would spend sunny afternoons on the patio listening to the games on the radio. Paul and family took many vacations to destinations in Florida. This love of the warm climate and the beaches led to their decision to make a winter home there in retirement. Paul and Arlene did a great deal of traveling in early retirement. They enjoyed this period as they visited Europe, Canada, and many parts of the U.S. In 1989, Paul and Arlene purchased a condo in Naples, Florida. They became "snowbirds" with a summer home in Morton, Illinois and a winter retreat from the cold and snow in Florida. They made many new friends and enjoyed the social activities. Paul took up tennis and played until his early 90's. Paul also had an interest in how the condo association was managed and served as condo president at Calusa Bay. In 2002, Paul was blessed with his first grandchild, granddaughter Nicole. Two years later, grandson Tyler was born. Paul was so proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed their visits and hearing about their hobbies and activities. In 2008, Paul and Arlene sold their Florida condo and moved to Fairview, Texas to live near their daughter, Linda. They bought a house in Heritage Ranch Active Adult Community and immediately jumped into the social activities and made many new friends. Paul enjoyed working in the yard and playing tennis. After 11 years at Heritage Ranch, Arlene and Paul were ready to downsize and move to a more maintenance free lifestyle. Paul and Arlene moved to Watermere Independent Senior Apartments in Frisco, Texas in April 2019. They enjoyed shopping for new furnishings and decorating the new apartment, making new friends and going to social activities. Paul was a devoted son, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was always willing to provide assistance and guidance to his children when they asked. His gentle nature and quick mind will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials may be made to the Morton Methodist Church Building Fund. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.