Donald Laverne Butler's Obituary
Donald Laverne Butler, age 92, passed away February 24, 2026 at his daughter's home in Milan, MO where he had been living. He was born in the family home in Martinstown, MO on July 11, 1933 the son of Floyd and Bonnie Butler.
On August 3, 1958 he was united in marriage to Opal Marie Butler at the First Baptist Church of Unionville by Gardon Asher. This union was blessed with three daughters. Donald's dedication to his family began early when he would ride his bike for 7 miles one way to work at the Hartford shed servicing the county by maintaining the roads. In his spare time, Donald was mainly interested in the show "GunSmoke" and of course hunting and fishing. Donald would climb under the house after a coon to only come out smelling like a skunk. Donald hunted coons, coyotes, turkeys and deer. He took anyone, family or friends who would join him. He even shot his leg with a bullet once from accidentally dropping his gun. Donald was even brave enough to hand fish. Above all, Donald's greatest blessings were his grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great great grandson. Nothing made his eyes sparkle and his smile grow wide like those kids.
Donald Butler is survived by two daughters, Debbie McAlister and husband JC and Michelle Butler, all of Milan, MO. Donald's surviving grandchildren are Carie Faulconer and Curtis of Smithville, MO; Jeremy McAlister and Christal of Milan, MO; Allyson Clark of Unionville, MO; and Shelby Stafford of Chillicothe, MO. Donald's surviving great grandchildren are Chandler & Hudson Faulconer, Lily, Drew & Abel McAlister and great great grandson Everett Lee Wood. Donald is also survived by brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Dennie Sheehan, Ruth & Glennie Milner, Bill & Ruth Sheehan, Darl Salisbury, Doris Butler and Elenora Sheehan and many nieces and nephews; many in-laws; and close friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise; two brothers, Leon Butler and wife Diane of Rockford, IL, Virginia Butler of Rockford, IL, and Jerry Butler of Lakeview, AR; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Mary Sheehan; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Garold (Marjorie) Sheehan, Melvin Sheehan, Ruth Ann Sheehan, Shirley and Robert Myers, Barb Sheehan, and Margaret Salisbury. Donald was also preceded by many nieces and nephews and a special Friend, Chris Fisher.
Memorials are suggested and checks may be made payable to the PC Café and Resource center and entrusted to the Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.
Donald's funeral service will be held on Friday, February 27th, 2026 at 2:00pm with visitation one hour prior to his service beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at the Unionville Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
