Kenneth H. Butler

Kenneth H. Butler, 66, of Springfield passed away September 25, 2008 at home along side his family. Born September 15, 1942 in St. Louis, Mo. to Hugh and Lucille Butler, Ken graduated CBC High School in 1960 and St. Louis University in 1964. He would later further his education at DePaul University with a Masters in Computer Science, Summa Cum Laude. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969 doing a tour of duty to Vietnam in 1968. He was employed by General Electric and Arthur Young and Co. in Chicago, IL and for the past 24 years his work and home have been with the Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield, IL where he remained Vice President of Corporate Development. In 1966 Ken wed Barbara Jean Guller, his beloved wife and teammate of 42 years eternal; a team which would later add four more players. Ken simply had a passion for what he loved. From his garden, to fishing, to playing cards. He loved music, blessed with an innate ability to play a multitude of instruments by ear. And he loved all sports. A lifelong coach, Ken also played a role in the Foundation of SSU/UIS Booster Clubs, SASA, and Springfield Competitive Soccer. Ken loved his work and served as a Lay Associate of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of Franciscans. He was an active member of Christ The King Parish, serving as an Eucharistic minister. Ken loved and strived to be a subtle, positive influence in the myriad of endeavors he felt passion for. But most of all, he loved his team. Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara (Springfield, IL). Four children: Christine (Tom) of Palm Harbor, FL; Kenneth, Jr. (Patty) of Arlington, VA; Andrew of Lake Ozark, MO; Daniel (Angie) of Springfield, IL. Two sisters: Janet (John) Dugo of St. Louis MO and Barbara (Don) Maire of Farmington MO. Survived also by many loved relatives and six beautiful grandchildren: Brayden, Jackson, Samantha, Addyson, Sara and Benjamin. Visitation services will be held Monday, September 29, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. beginning with a prayer service at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S 6th St., Springfield Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ The King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Drive, Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. Memorial donations can be made in the honor of Ken Butler to: Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 19456, Springfield, IL 62794.