Paul J. Butler

Paul Jay Butler, 82, of Malta, IL, passed away in hospice, on November 18th, 2023, at Oakcrest retirement center in DeKalb, IL.

Paul was born October 17th, 1941, in DeKalb, IL, to Earl and Virginia (Monson) Butler. His early years were spent on a one room school house near Malta, being taught by his Grandfather, U.C. Monson. Paul recalled that, at home, he was called Grandpa, but at school, he was Mr. Monson.

At Malta high school, Paul excelled at sports, being voted most athletic his senior year. He played baseball and basketball and ran track all four years. Being a farm boy, he was in FFA all four years as well.

Upon graduation, Paul worked for a few area farmers, then joined his father Earl, and his Uncle Roy, at Butler Brothers, and continued to farm and live near Malta his entire life.

On September 10th, 1961, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Florence Strawn. They made their home in Malta, as did their parents, and had two sons, Aaron and Adrian.

Legend has it, that on a hot summer day, Paul and his brother Lee, desperate for some fun, rode one of the farm's sows until she collapsed and could not be revived. Upon learning of this tragedy, Earl went to the Malta sale barn and returned with a black and white pony named Victor, saving the lives of countless sows, and starting Paul's lifelong love of horses. He and Florence owned and operated Cottonwood Stables, on the home farm in Malta for over four decades. They made many wonderful friends while hunting, eventing, and barrel racing.

Paul and Aaron transitioned Butler Farms to organic production in 1996, the same year his first grandchild was born.

Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Florence, brother Lee (Betty) Butler, sons, Aaron (Donna) Butler, and Adrian (Mary Pettey) Butler, and grandchildren Anna (Alex) Hopkins, Collin Butler and Nathan Pettey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgie and Earl, his Aunt Maizie and Uncle Roy Butler who were like second parents to him, and his double cousin Ross, who was like his extra brother.

The family would like to thank Oakcrest, the nurses and CNA's and all the staff for the excellent care they provided Paul, and continue to provide for Florence every day. We also want to thank Dr I. Patel and Dr Thakker for their kindness and care of Paul over the years. Finally, an enormous thank you to the nurses with Heartland Hospice that provided Paul with excellent end of life care, and his family with good council.

An open house will be held at Oakcrest, 2944 Greenwood Acres Drive, in DeKalb, Il, on Saturday,  December 9th, from 1 to 4 pm. This will be a relaxed affair, so wear your work boots, jeans and flannel shirts so we can share stories and some laughs, just as Paul would have wanted.

Cremation care has been provided by Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. in DeKalb, with a private family burial at a later date.