Gary E. Butler

Gary Edward Butler age 81 of Ensley Township, Sand Lake passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024 to his heavenly father. He was born September 4, 1943 in Sparta, MI the son of Donald and Margaret (Gould) Butler. He was born again on July 4, 1959 and actively served the Lord during his life. Gary taught Sunday School to teens and young married couples and loved singing solos in church. He served the community for many years as an Ensley Township Trustee and as cemetery sexton in Ensley and Solon Townships. He was a successful dairy farmer and farmed most of his life. Gary and his wife, Florence were foster parents for teenagers for 34 years through the Kent County Juvenile Court in Grand Rapids. He will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Florence (Bassett); children, Tim (Tricia) Butler, Tedd (Becky) Butler, Tadd (Lee) Butler, Tania (David) Bell; 23 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brothers, Gayle (Anita) Butler, Greg (Cyndy) Butler, Garth Butler; brother-in-law, Irvin Jay (Diane) Bassett; sister-in-law, Joyce Lieffers; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 24 year old grandson, Tyler Butler. The family will greet friends Friday, December 6 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be held Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 am at New Life Baptist Church, 840 Wilson Avenue NW, Walker, MI 49534 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Pastor Tadd Butler officiating. Interment North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.