Benny Lee Butcher
Ben Butcher, in one word, was kind. He had kids in tow for most of his life, young or grown, and he adored them and spent his life making sure they knew it. Love was what he was good at. Every stranger became a friend, and everyone he was with felt like they were the only person in the world.
Ben adventured across the country over his lifetime, from the beaches of Santa Monica to the redwood forests and the Joshua trees of the Mojave. He chased after hurricanes in the Carolinas and road tripped to every corner of the country. He finally made a home in the red clay and lush green of the Ozark Mountains, in Galena, Missouri.
He lived in the moment, savored every cup of coffee, and felt every bit of a good blues song. He spent his days tapping his foot to good music and showing love and kindness to people and creatures, great and small. He lit smokes for strangers who became instant friends. He gave what he could to those he could help, took the time to make the calls that made people feel seen, and sat with the sick and the dying.
Ben was preceded in death by his mother, Charlene, and his youngest son, Patrick. His family celebrated his life at the First Baptist Church on the Galena square on February 4, 2023, with a service led by Chris Butcher.
The world Benny knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
The Butcher name at Ellston Cemetery
Christopher A Butcher1971 – 2025
Patrick Charles Butcher1988 – 2020
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