In Memory

Dave Butler

Dave Butler


David Butler, 59, tragically passed away on September 3rd, 2019. Dave, the youngest of three children, was born on June 24th, 1960, in Massachusetts where his father was stationed with the Air Force. His father’s career allowed his childhood to be filled with extraordinary memories of new and interesting locations, such as Okinawa, Japan, until his family finally settled in Rapid City, SD. After many houses, it was in Rapid City that he found a lifelong home, an amazing community, and the love of his life.

A star athlete, Dave attended and graduated from Rapid City Central High School. It was here he met Melissa Johnson, and they were married on December 22nd, 1979. They welcomed their oldest daughter, Cori, in 1980 followed by their youngest daughter, Sarah, in 1985. They spent many hardworking years building their family and enjoying time immersing themselves in the community through softball and volleyball leagues, activities in which they found lifelong friends.

Dave was renowned for his laugh and smile, his countless generous acts, and his uncanny ability to light up any room he entered. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, and then just for good measure give his shoes as well. He was an amazing listener and genuinely loved life, but there was nothing he loved more than his four grandchildren. Whether it was listening to them read to him, giving them golfing lessons, or playing 1,286 games of UNO a night, he cherished every second spent being a grandpa, and his grandchildren will carry him in their hearts forever. 
Dave built a career as a realtor, developing priceless relationships in the community that made him a significant man in many peoples’ lives. He volunteered at Meals on Wheels, where he got to know his meal recipients so well that he would make sure to buy them their favorite beverages and snacks to bring along with him just so he could see their faces light up. Making other people happy was Dave’s favorite thing to do. He also loved his Wednesday golf and bowling leagues, cooking delicious meals for his family, and taking long drives in the hills with his wife to play cribbage, where sometimes he would let her win.

Fall was Dave’s favorite time of year, because cooler weather meant football season was starting. Saturdays would be spent watching his favorite college team, Alabama (Roll Tide Roll), and razzing Melissa and her family about which “School of the Blind” the Cornhuskers were playing that week. Sundays started early with Dave studying his fantasy football draft lineups and smoking meats for the day long watch party with his family. He enjoyed coordinating and participating in fantasy football leagues, not just for the competition of it, but because he loved the camaraderie with his friends.

The world is a darker place without Dave Butler in it; however, with his death he would want everyone to continue to smile, to remember that nothing is as bad as it seems, and everything can be solved with an open heart and open arms. 
Dave is survived by his parents (Ed and Betty), brother (Alan), wife (Melissa), two daughters (Cori and Sarah), grandchildren (Cailtyn, Emma, Owen, and Harper), and countless other family and friends that mourn his death. He is preceded in death by his sister (Donna).

“Happiness is a choice, although often it might seem otherwise. And it starts small. Today do something that makes you feel happy, and tell your friends about it.” – Dave Butler, November 14th, 2017

Celebration of Dave's life will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Fountain Springs Church west location.

In lieu of flower the family requests memorial donations to either Meals On Wheels or Junior Golf Program at The Golf Club at Red Rock.