John Elmo Butler

John Elmo Butler, age, 80, lifelong resident of the Dodge area of Grove, Ok, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Joplin, MO. John was born on June 13, 1943, in the Butler community on Honeycreek, Grove, OK to John Elijah and Clara Mae (Fields) Butler. He grew up in Grove and graduated from Grove High School, Class of 1961. He went on to attend Northen Jr. College and Northeastern State University, lettering in football 4 times. John’s true passion was baseball which he enjoyed playing, and later coaching and spectating. In 1962, John enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served for 3 years. A hardworking man, John worked his way through college, going to school full time and working full time. He proudly earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Throughout John’s life he held several positions, a supervisor for the Cherokee Nation in Environmental Clean Up, he was the Delaware County Commissioner for 4 years, he retired as a supervisor from the Oklahoma State Parks Department. All the while, being a full-time rancher, running commercial Angus cattle. A quiet, thoughtful man, with an ornery grin and heart of gold, is how John Elmo will be remembered. His strength and faith in God will be the legacy he leaves to his beloved family. Left to cherish John’s memory: wife, Marsha (Houck) Butler; sons, Kyle (Teresa) Butler and Kreg (Erika) Butler, all of Grove,6 grandchildren: Kati (Joe), Koal (Abby), Kody (Emilea), Sage (Christian), Kash and Kord; and 5 great grandchildren: Korbin, Rhett, Ryder, Kreek and Lillian, nieces, Angie Shepherd(Frankie) , Terri McDowel and Connie Butler, and nephews, Micheal Butler (Tiffany), Lance Butler and a host of extended family and friends. Visitation will be from 5-7pm Sunday, April 7, at Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral services will be at 10am Monday, April 8, 2024, at Elk River Baptist Church followed by burial at Fields Cemetery. The family request donations be made to the Local Disabled American Veteran's, PO Box 450675, Grove, Ok 74345 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 1120 Neo Loop, Grove, Ok 74344 in John's memory. Arrangements Entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services.

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John Elmo Butler

June 13, 1943 - April 2, 2024