John A Butler

John Adney Butler, of Greenbush, IL, passed away at 11:53 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 27, 1940, in Avon, IL, to Howard and Dolores (Conkey) Butler. He graduated from Avon High School in 1958.

Following high school graduation, he farmed with his father and served in the Army Reserves. He married Sharon Standard on October 10, 1964 at the Federated Church in Avon. John retired from Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg after 31 years. He loved to farm the family farm, teaching his kids how to help with the livestock, ride horses, and ride minibikes.

He loved to travel with his family and was proud that he had visited all 50 states. He loved to go to Ely, MN, canoeing in the BWCA with Nick Wognum and family. Known to be an adrenaline junkie, he enjoyed level five white water rafting, ziplining, snow skiing, scuba diving, alpine sled sliding, roller coaster riding, and attending Mardi Gras with his daughters. John and Sharon also enjoyed their vacations to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sharon, of 61 years of Greenbush; his children, Laura (Steve) Cox of Abingdon, Linda Butler of Galesburg, Kelly (Tod Craft) Butler of Montgomery, and Kara Butler of Galesburg; his grandchildren, Preston McNeely, Grace McNeely, Lily Cox and Emily Craft; a special nephew, David Rathke and his surviving siblings, Clara (Robert) McKeehan, Linda (Zoltan) Verebelyi, and Marie Schuster.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters (Patricia, Sarah, and Diane), and brothers (Vincent and Lawrence).

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation or funeral, but a celebration of life will be held at the Butler House during the Fat Steer Show in August of 2026.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Avon Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders or the MDH (McDonough District Hospital) Foundation. Moore Memorial Home, Avon, is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.moorememorial.com.