Robert E. Butler , 97, of West Lafayette & formerly of Boswell, who never met a stranger, a lover of travel, all things John Deere, great entertainer (especially of Grandchildren), excellent tour guide passed from this life Friday, January 19, 2024. Bob was born October 26, 1926 near Pence, IN to the late Andrew Dale & Eva Susanna (Roe) Butler. Soon they moved to Boswell, where according to Bob & his mother, they lived in many of the town's homes over the years. Bob grew up in Boswell graduating from Boswell High School in 1944. After his military service in WWII, he took over the John Deere store from his father & enjoyed building the business. Bob was proud of his service in Hawaii following the war & joked that the Japanese surrendered when his unit was on a ship headed for the invasion. He married Jane Sullivan & later married Violet (Buchanan Warren) Butler August 8, 1969, in Indianapolis. She survives.

Bob was a member of the Boswell Masonic Lodge for 76 years, Scottish Rite, Shriners. He was a 78 year member of the Boswell American Legion Post 476 where he also served as Past Commander. He was a Fellow of St. Joseph's College & was named Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Robert Orr. Bob & Vi loved traveling & enjoyed visiting all 50 states, Europe, Asia, Central America & the Caribbean with many winters spent on Siesta Key, FL. He had served as Vice-President of the Voyager 1000 air travel club & was especially happy on trips he led as a tour guide. He loved taking his employees, farmers & friends to ball games in Chicago & on tours of John Deere factories & offices.

Bob is survived by his wife Vi, daughter Kathryn (Mike) Butler O'Neall, son Robert Bruce (Dienna) Butler & step-son Ryan (Colleen) Warren. His true joy was his grandchildren: Andrew O'Neall, Susanna O'Neall Earnest, Lindsey Butler Hale, Sara Butler Weber, Robert Bruce Butler, Jr., Brennen Butler, Caroline Warren, Leah Warren & Jillian Warren & his 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by 2 grandsons Benjamin Butler O'Neall & Logan Butler & brother Norman Butler.

Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2024, at Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein, from 12 PM until time of services at 2 PM, with Rev. Dr. Michelle Bartel officiating; burial with Military Honors to follow at Boswell Cemetery. A Celebration of Bob's Life will follow at the Benton County Country Club, 602 W. 4th St., Fowler, IN from 5-7 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Community Foundation. Donations can be made at the services, online at www.donate.bentoncf.org or via check to: Benton Community Foundation, PO Box 351, Fowler, IN  47944, Memo: Robert Butler. Visit Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page or www.shoemakerfh.com to leave any condolences or to share a memory or picture of Bob.