Gary Leroy Butler was born May 19th, 1940 to James and Madeline Butler in Chadron, NE. When he was only five years old, his mother passed away and he went to live with his paternal grandparents, T.J. and Grace Butler in Chadron, Nebraska. Gary grew up working in their large garden with his grandmother and grandfather. A trout stream ran through their farm, so Gary had an early start for his love of fishing.

Gary graduated from Chadron High School in 1958, where he was a star quarterback for the football team.

He joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1960-1964 before returning to Nebraska, where he worked and attended Chadron College.. He received a Master's Degree in School Administration. He married Shirley Johnson, a young widow with three little boys.  Gary was a devoted father, raising Larry, Jerry and Gene along with the twins, Tim and Tara, who were born to his union with Shirley.

Gary loved sports, serving as a coach at the high school in Agra, Kansas, where he taught business classes in addition to his coaching duties. later he began his banking career. He began at the Farmers National Bank in Agra, preceded to Rocky Ford, Colorado, then moving to Milan, Missouri, and Savannah, Missouri.

Gary married Wilma Gower in the Methodist Church in Agra December 16. 1979. They enjoyed forty-two years together. After his retirement in January of 2001, Gary and Wilma moved to a rural home by Trimble, Missouri, near Smithville Lake, where he could indulge full time in his passion for fishing. They joined the Methodist Church in Paradise and were active members there. Gary also enjoyed playing pool and sharing food at the Senior Center in Smithville.

Gary passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; his sons Larry (Gail), Jerry, Gene (Danette), and Tim (Amy), and his daughter Tara. Other family members include eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, his brothers, Dale, Scott, Curt and Criss.

His memory will be cherished by his many friends and family members.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the West Cedar Cemetery with Rev. Rob Ernest officiating with Military Honors by the Agra American Legion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paradise United Methodist Church or the Trimble, MO Fire Dept.