Charles Butler

HERB BUTLER

Charles Herbert Butler, age 70, of Kahoka, MO, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 19, 2008, at his home.

He was born July 28, 1938 in Clark County, MO, one of two sons of Barton Orin "Dutch" and Mabel Fern Wickham Butler.

On December 18, 2007 he married his companion of 29 years, Evelyn M. Ladwig, in Kahoka.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of Kahoka; a son, Mark C. Butler and his wife, Teresa, of Palmyra, MO; four grandchildren: Kyle Huston and his wife, Renee, of Carthage, IL, Brady Huston of Carthage, IL, and Brooke and Brock Butler of Palmyra, MO; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Robin Huston Butler in March of 2005; and brother, Barton Butler, Jr.

Herb graduated from Kahoka High School. He was a member of the Kahoka United Methodist Church and former Mason and Shriner.

In earlier years he operated the Kahoka Roller Rink and Butler Super Valu. He was an area lineman for Lewis Co. R.E.C., retiring in 2001.

He had served as the Mayor of the City of Kahoka since 2003 and was also a member of the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission. He enjoyed all sports and coached girls and boys softball and baseball for over 15 years. He was proud to have organized the first American Legion baseball program in Kahoka. He officiated basketball games for over 25 years and announced all Clark Co. R-1 sports and supported the efforts in the community, church and schools. He held the highest license you can obtain in harness racing and was a driver and trainer for 30 years. He raced in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky and announced harness races at Pari-Mutual in Kentucky, was a presiding judge in Chicago (Balmoral Park) and state fairs in Springfield, and Missouri and Iowa state fairs. For 8 years he was a presiding judge at Prairie Meadow Race Track in Altoona, IA and in May of 2008 was appointed to the Missouri Horse Racing Commission by Governor Blunt. He was also a member of the Iowa Harness Horse Association. He enjoyed giving back to the community through his volunteer efforts and the many people he met along the way.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Barb Hagerla officiating. Burial was in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Visitation was held after 1 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2008, at Wilson Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m.

Memorials in lieu of flowers were suggested to the Clark Co. R-1 Sports Boosters or the Kahoka Cemetery Trust Fund.