Don was a 1954 graduate of Perry Central School. Don was the owner/ operator of Donald G. Butler Construction and Sunny Knoll Farms in Perry. He took over the family farm at the age of 19 after the passing of his father. Don ran the farm from 40 head of cattle to a very successful robotic dairy farm today operated by his sons. He started Donald G. Butler Construction in 1973. He was a former owner of the Perry Raceway in Perry. He served as chairman of the Board of Assessors for the Town of Perry for 16 years, served on the Town of Perry Zoning Board in which he helped in writing the new zoning laws and was the Town of Perry Highway Superintendent for 10 years.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center, Silver Lake Country Club, a member of the Perry Grange for over 60 years, Upstate Niagara Co-op and a very active member of the Perry Rotary Club starting in 1965. In his lifetime he attended over 80 years of the Perry Rotary show whether watching or participating in it. He was the director of the Perry Rotary show since 1969 as well as participating in many acts for over 50 years, even when his mobility was limited. He organized many trips where a large participation of the Perry Rotarians were in attendance at the District conference. He served as President of the Perry Rotary Foundation for 19 years and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award in 1988, 2006 and 2010. In Donald’s spare time he enjoyed golfing with his friends, organizing yearly golfing trips, even after he had to give up golf do to his health. He enjoyed traveling to Florida during the winter with his wife and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife: Joann E. (Irwin) Butler whom he married on March 9, 1955, 3 sons: Scott (Bethany) Butler, Eric (Michelle) Butler and Jason (Angela) Butler all of Perry, 6 grandchildren: Kayla (Anthony Dell’Anno) Butler, Christian (Devon) Butler, Audrey, Zane, Lucas and Emma Grace Butler, 1 great grandchild: Julian , Siblings: Carol (C. Arnold “Arnie”)Wilson, Jack (Nancy) Butler both of Perry, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Friends may call from 2-6pm on Sunday January 12th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Monday January 13t at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center at 4pm. Don will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.
(In lieu of flowers) Memorial contributions may be made to the Perry Rotary Club P.O. Box 103 Perry, New York 14530, Suzanne’s Comfort Care Home 167 N. Main St. Perry, NY 14530 or to the First Congregational Church P.O. Box 156 Perry, NY 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.
