John Willard Butler

John Willard Butler, 70 of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019 at North Kansas City Hospital. Cremation is planned with a memorial gathering to be held from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday evening, February 21, 2019 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 60455. Donations may be made in his name to St. Jude’s Hospital. John was born February 21, 1948 in Kansas City, MO to John Edward and Gracie Ellen (Milstead) Butler and has been a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Southwest High School and had attended the University of Missouri at Rolla and the Metropolitan Community College. He had worked as an engineer for the City of Independence for over 30 years before he retired. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge and VFW all of Independence. He was preceded in death by both parents and his step-father Otto Downey of Independence, MO. Survivors include; a daughter, Christine Blystone and husband Mike of Independence, MO; a son, John Butler and Trisha Knight of Oak Grove, MO; 3 grandchildren, Cody Blystone of Independence, MO, Kelsey Schamback and husband Bradley of Blue Springs, MO and Gage Knight of Grain Valley, MO; a great granddaughter, Emilynn Schamback; former wives, Shirlene Oliver of Raytown, MO and Mary Butler of Lee’s Summit, MO, Stepmother Marybelle Butler of Overland Park, KS and several nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)