Gary Butler

Graveside services for 81-year old Gary Butler of Trimble, MO, former of Chadron, will be Sat, May 14, at 10:30 a.m. CT in the West Cedar Cemetery in Agra, KS, with Rev. Rob Ernest officiating and Military Honors by the Agra American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paradise United Methodist Church of Paradise, MO, or the Trimble, MO, Fire Dept.

Gary Leroy Butler was born May 19th, 1940, to James and Madeline Butler in Chadron and passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2022.

Gary’s mother passed away when he was only 5 years old and he went to live with his paternal grandparents, TJ and Grace Butler in Chadron. Gary grew up working in their large garden with his grandmother and grandfather. A trout stream ran through their farm, so Gary had an early start for his love of fishing.

Gary graduated from Chadron High School in 1958, where he was a star quarterback for the football team. He joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1960-1964 before returning to Nebraska, where he worked and attended Chadron College – eventually earning a Master’s Degree in School Administration. 

Gary married Shirley Johnson, a young widow with three little boys. Je was a devoted father, raising Larry, Jerry and Gene along with the twins, Tim and Tara, who were born to his union with Shirley.

Gary loved sports, serving as a coach at the high school in Agra, where he taught business classes in addition to his coaching duties. 

He later changed careers, switching from education to banking. He began at the Farmers National Bank in Agra, then to Rocky Ford, CO, then on to Milan, MO, and finally Savannah, MO.

Gary married Wilma Gower in the Methodist Church in Agra on Dec 16, 1979, and they enjoyed 42 years together. 

After his retirement in January of 2001, Gary and Wilma moved to a rural home by Trimble, Missouri, near Smithville Lake, where he could indulge full time in his passion for fishing. 

They joined the Methodist Church in Paradise and were active members there. Gary also enjoyed playing pool and sharing food at the Senior Center in Smithville.

Gary is survived by his wife, Wilma; his sons Larry (Gail), Jerry, Gene (Danette), and Tim (Amy), and his daughter Tara. Other family members include eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, his brothers, Dale, Scott, Curt and Criss.

His memory will be cherished by his many friends and family members.