Russell Butler

Russell Taplin Butler, 92, of St. Johnsbury went to be with his Lord after passing away at his home early Friday morning, October 6, 2017.

Russell was born March 6, 1925 and raised in St. Johnsbury, Vt. His father Rudolph Butler ran a small machine shop. His mother, May E. (Julian) Butler was a very creative homemaker. After serving in the Navy in World War II, he married Lois E. Keneson in 1948. They were classmates at St. Johnsbury Academy graduating in 1943. After serving a short term in the Navy during the Korean conflict, they lived in St. Johnsbury where he worked as a tractor mechanic. He also worked for 30 years as a heavy equipment mechanic on construction jobs in Vermont and upstate New York. Russell worked after retirement as a part-time mechanic at Westview Farm in Haverhill, NH for Pete Kimball and later for Howard Hatch at Hatchland Farm, also in Haverhill, NH.  Russell enjoyed his hobby of blacksmithing and demonstrated the craft at Groton Festival.  Family and friends have been the happy recipients of many gifts of his blacksmithing projects. He also enjoyed writing Short Tales for publication in The Bridge Weekly Showcase of Haverhill, NH.

While living in Lyndon Center, Lois, their two sons and Russell were all led to Christ as their Savior. Nathan and David went away to Bible Colleges after high school and have lived away raising their families ever since. Their very special daughter Laurie was always a great joy to them and she lived at Lyndon Women’s Home until her death in 2010.

Russell is survived by his sons: Nathan Butler and wife Laura Gillis of Baltimore and Pastor David Butler and wife Ruth of Shamokin, PA; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Lois in 2008 and his brother Julian in 2003.

A memorial service commemorating Russell’s life will be held at Lyndon Bible Church on Saturday, October 21 at 10AM. Immediately following the service, the family will receive friends at a luncheon at the church.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Lyndon Bible Church, 250 Brown Farm Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.saylesfh.com.