Richard Butler

Richard Ervin Butler, 68, Kansas City, MO was born on December 26, 1949 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Elza & Lillian (Brotherton) Butler, and passed away on June 29, 2018 at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

Richard attended Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Religion. He then attended the Divinity School at Duke University in Durham, NC, earning his Master of Divinity degree.  He then attended The School of Theology at Boston University where he spent a year of work on a ThD program.

Richard truly devoted his life to the ministry serving as Pastor at Hickman Mills Community Christian Church, North Oak Christian Church, both in Kansas City, and later at Blue Valley Christian Church in Overland Park, KS, He also served as interim minister at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City, First Christian Church in Harrisonville, and First Christian Church in Odessa, Missouri.

Richard and his wife Marilyn were united in marriage on October 19, 1997. He was the head chef of the family who made sure to always have the meals prepared for every family get together.  He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marilyn Butler; his four children, Blake (Valerie) Butler, Betsy (Ben) Chociej, Mandy (Josh) Howard and Kristina (Tim) Mills; six grandchildren, Cole and Owen Butler, Liam and Eila Howard, Emmy and Livy Mills;  brother, Gary (Joyce) Butler;  nephew, John Butler; and niece, Barbara Butler. He also leaves behind many other friends and family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Hillcrest Christian Church, 11411 Quivira Road, Overland Park, KS 66210, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Neil Engle officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kanas City, 9401 Johnson Drive, Merriam, Kansas 66203. Online condolences may be left at Terraceparkfuneral.com.