Christopher Alan Butler

Christopher Alan Butler, 54, of Mesick, formerly of Neosho, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 21, 2020. He was born July 23, 1966 in Traverse City, the son of Robert and Mary (Mannor) Butler. Chris graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1985.

On Aug. 26, 1995 Chris married Melissa Jean Dalzell, in Traverse City, and they shared 25 wonderful years together before his passing. Chris and Melissa raised seven children together.

Chris and Melissa recently moved back to northern Michigan to be closer to family. Chris took great pride in his expanded family and treasured the time he got to spend with them. Chris was an amazing husband, father and grandfather.

Before moving to Missouri, Chris worked at Give 'Em A Brake Safety in Traverse City for 17 years. In Missouri, he worked for 8 years as a motorcycle mechanic at West 60 Cycle and most recently worked at Burnett Foods in Elk Rapids.

Chris had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make others laugh and smile. One of Chris's most recognized phrases was "If I was any better, I'd be twins." He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, motorcycle rides, singing and participating in karaoke and especially spending time with his friends and family.

Chris is survived by his wife, Melissa; his children, Megann (Eric Stroh) Butler, Ashley (Agosto "Goose") Favela, Tiffany (A.J. Morse) Butler, Caleb (Melissa Nelson) Butler, Andrew (Kayla Graham) Butler, Cory (Bryanna Jones) Butler, and Carisa (Blay Kennedy) Butler; eight grandchildren, Kelvan, Kristian, Isaac, Giohni, Danidy, Wyatt, Lyla and one little peanut on the way. Also surviving are his mother, Mary Butler; sister, Sherry (Roger) Graves, father and mother-in-law, Dave and Jean Dalzell; sisters and brothers-in-law, Melinda (Mike) Freas, Lori (Jeff) Rottman, Scott (Patty) Dalzell, Amanda Dalzell, Dan Dalzell, Eddie Balzer and Kelly Balzer; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Robert Butler; brother-in-law, David Dalzell; niece, Sabrina Dalzell; and nephew, Paul Dalzell.

Visitation will take place on Friday, Sept. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Covell Funeral Home in Kingsley. Masks are required.

An outdoor celebration of life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 starting at 1 p.m. at Melinda's house, 8490 W. 12 ¾ Road, Mesick, MI 49668. Please dress casual, comfortable and in something green or camouflage.