Everett "John" Leroy Butler

   Everett “John” Leroy Butler, 88, died March 6, 2024 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. At his request, there will not be a funeral, however a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

   John was born May 8, 1935 in River Rouge, Michigan; son to Lewis Carl and Ruth Leone (Weaver) Butler. He married Carol Miles on Feb 25, 1967. He has one son and two daughters that survive: Rhett (Rhonda) Butler of Danville, Jodi Lindgren of Longmont, CO and Cathy (Brent) Atkinson of St Petersburg, Fl; one grandchild: Kayla Butler of Danville; and many nieces & nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Eugene and three brothers-in- law, Harold Thomas, Robert Miles and Don Gillis.

   John graduated from Attica High School in Indiana. His early employment was as a crane operator in Michigan and Hysters in Danville. After that John was self-employed as a general contractor for close to 40 years. He worked throughout Vermilion and surrounding counties renovating homes and commercial properties. Near the end of his career, he focused mostly on building and installing custom windows, with his largest project the replacement of all windows at St. James United Methodist in Danville. On occasion he would accept trade or extended payments to help his customers in need. He never advertised, but rather his skill, hard work, and honesty kept him booked well in advance.

   John was an avid gardener! He took great passion in maintaining his home and yard which always had several manicured flowerbeds. He also had a love of birds and trees. He filled multiple birdfeeders daily and kept his bird bath heated in the winter. While traveling, he collected tree starts and planted over 30 throughout the property.

   John was also an animal lover. Throughout the years, he had many dogs and cats that shared the family home. He took in countless strays and adopted some of the least desirable dogs from the shelter. 

   John enjoyed traveling with Carol. They had a place in Florida they'd go to 3-4 times a year. They also visited many state and national parks, as well as historical sites.

   Memories and messages for the family may be made on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page or on their website at www.krugercoanpape.com. If those wish to donate in John’s name, please submit to The Vermilion County Animal Shelter.

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