Gordon Huston Butler

Mr. Gordon Huston Butler, 83, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021, at The Neighborhoods in Columbia, Mo. He was born on July 3, 1937, in Aurora, Ill. to Gordon and Helen (Huston) Butler. His family relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he attended school and met the love of his life, Katherine Fowler. Together, they went to the University of Iowa graduating in 1959. Two months later they married and have celebrated 61 years together. In that same year Gordon began his lifelong administrative career in healthcare at the Chicago Wesley Northwestern Hospital. As he advanced, he relocated to Freeport Memorial Hospital in Illinois, Methodist Hospital of Kentucky, and eventually Memorial Community Hospital/Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City (1966-1999) where he served as hospital administrator. Gordon was a true gentleman, and he was easily loved by everyone. He left his stamp on Jefferson City with his endless dedication to our community. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, the American Heart Assn, March of Dimes, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Jefferson City Board of Education, Rotary, Salvation Army and the board of Lincoln University to name a few. Nationally he served on the board of American Academy of Medical Administrators, Healthcare Financial Management Association, and Medical Group Management Association. Gordon was also a dedicated family man, with his own sense of humor and youthful soul. He enjoyed family gatherings and activities with the grandkids, animals, black powder shooting and reading. Survivors include: his wife, Katie Butler of Jefferson City, Mo.; children, Steve Butler (Debbie) of Springfield, Mo. and Ann Runge (Russell) of Mexico, Mo.; grandchildren, Grace Runge, Greta Runge, Amelia Runge and Andrew Runge; sister-in-law, Ann Beckmore of Highland Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Butler and brother, Steve Butler. Private family services will be held at Freeman Mortuary with the Reverend Tom Vansant officiating. Graveside services will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1415 Elbridge Payne Road, Suite 150, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com