Richard "Rick" Butler

Richard H. “Rick” Butler, 66, of Augusta, died May 1, 2024.  Rick was born February 15, 1958 in Kalamazoo to Louis and Frances (Hamilton) Butler.  

Rick grew up in Hickory Corners and attended Gull Lake High School where he spent his early years horseback riding, working on go carts, motorcycles and as a mechanic at Richland Marathon.    Additionally, he enjoyed time at the family cottage on Wall Lake in Delton where he spent a fair amount of time on his favorite slalom ski.   

Following  high school Rick worked for Clark Equipment while attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he received two associates' degrees.  Following college his career  as an industrial electrician spanned  Nippondenso, Eaton Corporation, eventually retiring from the I.B.E.W.  

Rick loved horses and cars, especially the various corvettes he had owned and restored over the years.   He had an incredible knowledge of automobile history and enjoyed discussing and sharing with family and friends.  His final years he spent in Augusta, MI accompanied by various horses and a few goats that helped to manage the pasture for him.  

Rick is survived by his sister, Dianne Woods, five nephews, John Woods, Todd Woods, David Butler, Craig Butler and Brian Butler and several great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Frances Butler,  a brother, David Butler and sister-in-law, Maxine Butler. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Carolyn Phelps and Fred Pixley for the care, compassion and support provided to Rick  as he battled multiple health issues over the past few years.  

A funeral service to celebrate Rick’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Interment will follow at East Hickory Corners Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service, starting at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.