Mayor Emeritus Robert L. Butler passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Villas of Holly Brook.
Arrangements are pending at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.
Mayor Emeritus Robert L. Butler
Apr 22nd, 2019
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7 Guestbook Messages
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RIP Mayor Prayers to your family.
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THERE WAS NO GREATER MAN THEN FORMER MAYOR BOB BUTLER,HE SEEN MANY THINGS HAPPEN IN THE CITY OF MARION,LIKE THE HUB PLUS THE SO.ILL MINERS FOR THE MANY YEARS OF HIS GREAT LEADERSHIP GOD HAD SOMETHING BETTER IN STORE FOR HIM HEAVEN,BOB WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM,TO THE FAMILY MY PRAYERS.
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April 23, 2019
To the Family of Mayor Butler
When I heard the news of Mayor Butler’s passing I was saddened and grateful. Let me explain why the latter. My grandson, who is 9 now but was 4 years old at the time, typically asked a lot of questions. He was particularly interested in Mayor Butler and the statue that stood by the clocktower in Marion.
Joshua wanted to know who that man was and if he was still alive. I told him yes and that he had an office in the City Hall just across from where we stood. My grandson wanted to know if he could meet the mayor. I said I didn’t know but we could find out so we went in to see if we could catch a glimpse of this man who deserved the statue.
We first spoke to the secretary; I explained the situation and acknowledged that we knew Mayor Butler was a very busy man. However, she spoke to the mayor who graciously said, “Of course, come on in.” I introduced myself and Joshua. This man had a big smile and immediately began a conversation directly with Joshua. It was like they were old friends.
They talked about Joshua attending pre-school and going on to Kindergarten the following fall. Really, they talked about all sorts of things. Mayor Butler asked where Joshua would go to Kindergarten and we told him he would go to Unity Christian School. Then the mayor told Joshua how good he thought that was and how he had first gotten to know Jesus when he was just a young boy too. I was impressed at the casual and friendly meeting between these two. It left an amazing, memorable impression on Joshua too. In fact, maybe a year or more later he told me he thought Mayor Butler should be put on Mount Rushmore.
I wanted to you to know the effect of that brief, but friendly encounter. Mayor Butler was a splendid example of kindness and caring we were fortunate to have in a mayor. My grandson has never forgotten the meeting and we look at the mayor as a good role model.
We are saddened by the loss but grateful he made time for us and mostly to know that he knew Jesus too. Thank you for being with him as he served us. May this simple meeting help comfort you in the days ahead.
Sue Stidham
Marion, IL -
I was so impress with what the Mayor was doing for Southern Illinois and Marion. I called him to tell him so. Was impressed again that he answered his own phone. Had the occasion to meet him and his family at Hide a Way in Marion. He was so personable and not offended that I interrupted his dinner. Was on Mothers Day. A good man. RIP God’s Speed.
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Mayor Butler was an outstanding civil servant and caused Marion to be listed as one of the 100 best small towns in America. His accomplishments are too numerous to list but I remember the one time that I approached him for help with housing and he delivered with an affordable rental. Rest in peace Bob, and my condolences to your wife, daughter, and other close friends. Mike Auman
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Prayers for Bob’s family,he will be sadly missed,Bob has done a lot for me as a child growing up and as a adult.May God be with you all and guide you along his path…Marion won’t be the same with out Bob…
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Thank you Mayor Butler. Your service to Marion was cherished by citizens of Marion. I would also like to acknowledge your kindness and time that you spent with my Grandson Troy Robinson. Even at his young age of 12 he recognizes your exceptional service to Marion and would like to follow in your footsteps one day. You will be truly missed!