William E. Buttry

Mechanicsburg...Family and friends will gather Thursday July 7, 2011, to celebrate the life of William Eugene Buttry, 81, of rural Middletown. Bill's life ended Sunday, July 3rd, in an accident in his garage in Mechanicsburg.He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Dorothy (jim) Merritt and Betty (Troy) Carpenter.He leaves his much loved family, including his wife of 59 years, Audrey (Mandrell) Buttry, his daughter, Patricia (Kenny) Williams and his son, Robert Cole (Rona) Buttry, all of Middletown, Indiana. His grandchildren also survive him and miss him greatly: Audra (Chris) Ogle of Middletown, Mary Kay (Ronnie Crabtree, Jr.) Williams of Muncie, Riley (Laura) Buttry of Indianapolis and Corey Buttry of Middletown. Bill played a very special role in the lives of his great grandchildren: Layla and Eric Ogle, Levi Crabtree and special neighbor, LeAndra Penn...all have wonderful memories of their loving ""Poppy."" Bill also leaves behind his Jack-Russell terrier, ""Dollie"", his constant companion for the last 7 years.Bill was born in Royalton, Illinois on June 29, 1930 to Ross and Jennie (Moss) Buttry. In his early years, he served in the US Airborne, stationed in Fort Benning, GA. Bill married Audrey Mandrell, April 12, 1952, and then moved to Anderson, Indiana in 1956. He worked as truck driver for Tibbett's Plumbing and Heating and later became a backhoe operator, then a certified welder. He worked as a welding instructor at Anderson Vocational School in the 1980's. In 1973, Bill began working for Delco Remy Division of General Motors where he retired 22 years later, in 1993.In his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting, collecting and restoring gas engines, and street-rodding. He was truly an original ""American Picker"" and recycler, finding value and giving life to cast away items. He restored a 1947 Lincoln, 1923 Ford T-Bucket, and 1957 Dodge Truck, and worked with his son and grandsons to rebuild a 1934 Chevy, 1915 Ford T-Bucket and 1947 Buick.Bill was an avid fisherman, and he and Audrey enjoyed 10 years of their retirement on Kentucky Lake, where family and friends were always welcome. In 2003, Bill was diagnosed with cancer. He traveled a long difficult road of surgeries and chemotherapy, but was able to conquer the disease and remained cancer-free to the end. The family considers these last 7 years to be God's blessing to all who knew him and want to extend their deepest gratitude to Drs. Lewis Jacobson, Paul Helft, Elena Chiorean and all the staff at IU Medical Center cancer team, who skillfully gave his life back to us. He also gave his heart to the Lord during those years, and became a kinder, gentler man, who knew his life was a gift to treasure.Bill was always there for those who needed help. When his garage door was up, visitors would come to get help, or just sit and chat with Bill. He was a great story teller, and he never met a stranger. He would pinch a penny for himself, but give generously if someone had any sort of need. He loved life and loved his friends and family. He will be missed by all.Funeral services are Thursday at 10:00 am at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Dr. Randy James and Dr. Philip C. Rogers officiating.Burial will follow in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-8 PM.Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the Middletown EMS.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com