Richard J. Butler

Mr. Richard Jerry Butler was born February 20, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the oldest son of the late Waymon Jerry Butler and Helen Lucille Coble Butler. Richard confessed salvation and was baptized by Rev. John C. Butler, founder and pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, in 1960. Later, the late Rev. Kenneth Reed appointed him as a deacon, and he served faithfully until his demise. Deacon Butler was also chairman of the trustee board at New Hope for many years. He sang in the male chorus and loved listening to various genres of music.

Many family and friends called him Jerry. As a youngster, he delivered the morning newspaper in his neighborhood and received several awards for outstanding service. His early education was received at Hazel Hart Hendricks IPS School #37, and he graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1962. Jerry was Vice President of his graduating class, played four sports: football, shot put, track, and baseball and enjoyed jewelry-making, tailoring and shoe repair. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering/Construction and Design from Purdue University and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega (a national service fraternity). Jerry always enjoyed mentoring youth and served as a Boy Scout Master from 1962-1972. During the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, served in Germany and was honorably discharged. Shortly after returning home, he met his future wife, Siesta Smith. They were married on June 17, 1972, and their 51-year union was blessed with five children. What a busy, joy-filled, comical yet wise husband, father, neighbor, and friend!

Jerry loved his wife and family, supporting his children from infancy through every milestone of their lives! Because he loved to drive, the Butler family took trips to Canada, Washington, D.C., Florida’s Disney World, Chicago museums, and on and on. His children, their spouses, and grandchildren completely stole his heart. He would call just to tease them, attend their sports events or school activities, chauffeur their classmates and many days brought home flowers to his wife, just because… Richard Jerry Butler was a very kind man.

J.B. never met a stranger! He enjoyed making people laugh and conversing with anyone he met. After designing bridges for the Indiana Department of Transportation for 50 years, Jerry retired. Thereafter, many a morning he spent exercising with the senior citizens at Washington Park and Douglass Park in Indy. He remained faithful to his church work and showing love to his family.

Richard Jerry Butler was preceded in death by his father, mother, an infant sister, Anna Elizabeth and one brother, Ronald Mark Butler.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 51 years, Siesta Marie (Smith) Butler; daughters, Margot Butler and Larina Butler Mitchell (TiJa Sr.); sons, Richard W. Butler, Timothy C. Butler (Debbie), Mark Butler (Ashley); grandchildren, Timothy A., Danielle, and Isaiah Butler, TiJa Jr., Jada, and Tylan Mitchell, Maddox, Marley and Montana Butler, and five bonus grands: Makiah, Makenzie, Miley, LaQuesha and Jurnee, plus many other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Richard will be held Monday, June 10, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 PM.