Obituary of Harry Walker Butler

Harry Butler RENAISSANCE MAN: a cultured man who is knowledgeable, educated, and proficient in a wide range of fields. Harry Walker Butler, was, indeed, a modern day Renaissance Man. Harry passed away January 30, 2016, at the age of 97, at Stow Glen Retirement Village. Born August 6, 1918 on a small farm in Wayne City, Illinois, Harry worked his way through college to graduate from the University of Illinois in 1940. He married Hazel Jean Kirkton in 1941. They were married almost 69 years until her passing in 2010. Harry enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served on the flag ship Mt. McKinley as an Aircraft Flight Director, achieving the rank of Lieutenant (JG). He received many commendations and was honorably discharged in 1952. He began a 40 plus year distinguished career in radio and television broadcasting for station WHIO in Dayton, Ohio. True to character, Harry handled many different jobs from weatherman, current events, making commercials, to hosting his own Household Helper Show giving advice on a myriad of subjects from home repairs to sharing his greatest love, growing flowers and plants. Everywhere he went he could be recognized, not so much by his face, but by his eloquent speaking voice. Harry was an expert in horticulture, holding many seminars and traveling the world. He was chairman of the Great Lakes Council of the American Rock Garden Society and President of the American Rock Garden Society. He spent many years as trustee for Greene Memorial Hospital, and a founding member of the Cox Arboretum. In 1970, he was named Bellbrook's (the town in which he lived) Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to his community and to Greene County. Mr. Butler was pre-deceased by his wife Hazel Jean, and parents Wilson Walker Butler and Bertha Jane Scott Butler and his brothers Morris and Bernard. He is survived by daughter, Julia (Jerry) Butcher and son, Robert Butler; grandchildren Angela (Jim) Lampe and Matthew Kline; great-grandchildren Cassidy and Ciaran Lampe; sisters-in-law Carolyn Butler and Joan Butler; and several nieces and nephews. Our family would like to thank the nurses, aides, housekeepers, and friends at Stow Glen for their care and support, and to his "adopted daughter", Cindy, for the love she showed Dad throughout his stay. As per Harry’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Donations may be sent to The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 1001.