Richard Lee Butler went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2013 after a brief illness. Born July 31, 1950 in Freeport, he was the son of James and Opal (Smith) Butler. He attended Dakota and Durand Schools until 1968. Richard served in the United States Marine CORP from 1968-1971 stationed in Okanawa, Japan and Denang, Vietnam. He owned and operated Butler Excavating, worked many years at Carter & Gruenewald, Marv Ketchump Construction and Almond Freight. He was a member of the Teamsters, NRA, American Legion Durand Gold Star Post 676 and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Surviving are his sons Joe (Julie) Butler of Roscoe, James Butler of Durand, Lucas Butler of US Army, Seoul, Korea; brother James (Lynn) Butler of Davis; sister Jeanee Kelley of Durand; nephew Michael Larson; nieces Angela Butler, Jennifer (Paul) Menzies, Lindsee (Johnnie) Cimino; grandson Kade Butler and many loving cousins; special canine kids, Cookie, Buck, and Blackie. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Rita and special uncle Lee Smith as well as several other uncles. Per Richard's request there will be a private ceremony for the family.