The following email from Matt Bowers, an associate of Dr. Butts and the son of our classmate Sid Bowers, was sent to our class website.
"It is with a heavy heart that I write this, announcing the passing of Dr. Don Butts. Dr. Butts was one of the first practicing psychiatrists in the Springfield area and had a career of approximately 54 years. Dr. Butts has been the only psychiatrist to work on site at Ozark Correctional Center. He worked here for over 20 years, helping countless offenders to be well enough to complete the program and retired in 2019 because of lingering health issues. Dr. Butts also worked at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield as well as with juvenile offenders who were in the custody of the Division of Youth Services. He was passionate about helping his patients and would do nearly anything to help a friend or coworker. Dr. Butts was one of the smartest and most well read men I have ever met. He could quote at length whole passages of Shakespeare and speak Olde English and German. He even tried his hand at ranching texas longhorn cattle. Dr. Butts came from a time in which psychiatrists were still the main practitioners of "the talking cure" and he would lend a sympathetic ear to any in need. Dr. Butts was a graduate of the Medical School at the University of Missouri, which he paid for with his service as a physician in the US Army during the Vietnam era. His service is today at the Veteran's Cemetary in Springfield with full military honors. Dr. Butts was a good friend and helped literally thousands of people over his long life of service. He will be missed."
Sorry to see Don pass. We were raised about in the same neighbor hood and he let me drive his red motor scooter. That and watching him play football. He will be missed by all of us and his family.
So sad to lose another classmate. I am glad that I was able to attend our last reunion party at Ron Wards home as I was able to spend some time talking with Don. He will be missed.
Linda and I will miss Don Butts. Prior to the COVID epedimic, I saw him several times a month. He was always warm and friendly and we usually ended up talking about experiences and/or people at Parkview. He felt a closeness to many of his classmates even if he had not seen them for several years. Parkview and Parkview classmates held a special place in his heart.
I am deeply saddened by Don's passing. During the years we had developed a friendship that meant a great deal to me. He was truly selfless in what he offered to the frienship and how he went out of his way to be of assistance. My condolence to his family and others with whom he had similar relationships. .
Anne O'Connell (Remington)
Very sad news today about Don. Codolences to his family.
Mike Diffenderffer
A great guy, I remember him well!
Whit Ehrler
The following email from Matt Bowers, an associate of Dr. Butts and the son of our classmate Sid Bowers, was sent to our class website.
"It is with a heavy heart that I write this, announcing the passing of Dr. Don Butts. Dr. Butts was one of the first practicing psychiatrists in the Springfield area and had a career of approximately 54 years. Dr. Butts has been the only psychiatrist to work on site at Ozark Correctional Center. He worked here for over 20 years, helping countless offenders to be well enough to complete the program and retired in 2019 because of lingering health issues. Dr. Butts also worked at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield as well as with juvenile offenders who were in the custody of the Division of Youth Services. He was passionate about helping his patients and would do nearly anything to help a friend or coworker. Dr. Butts was one of the smartest and most well read men I have ever met. He could quote at length whole passages of Shakespeare and speak Olde English and German. He even tried his hand at ranching texas longhorn cattle. Dr. Butts came from a time in which psychiatrists were still the main practitioners of "the talking cure" and he would lend a sympathetic ear to any in need. Dr. Butts was a graduate of the Medical School at the University of Missouri, which he paid for with his service as a physician in the US Army during the Vietnam era. His service is today at the Veteran's Cemetary in Springfield with full military honors. Dr. Butts was a good friend and helped literally thousands of people over his long life of service. He will be missed."
David Clanton
Sorry to see Don pass. We were raised about in the same neighbor hood and he let me drive his red motor scooter. That and watching him play football. He will be missed by all of us and his family.
Annette Knapp (Caforio)
I remember Don Butts very well....I think most of us do......He was a special man....
Thank you for sharing the email with us by Matt Bowers, Whit....a wonderful tribute to our Don....
Connie Pauls (Witmer)
So sad to lose another classmate. I am glad that I was able to attend our last reunion party at Ron Wards home as I was able to spend some time talking with Don. He will be missed.
Tom Fowler
Linda and I will miss Don Butts. Prior to the COVID epedimic, I saw him several times a month. He was always warm and friendly and we usually ended up talking about experiences and/or people at Parkview. He felt a closeness to many of his classmates even if he had not seen them for several years. Parkview and Parkview classmates held a special place in his heart.
Jack Fannin
Our sympathy to his family and friends. We remember Don as a kind and gentle soul.
Jack and Betty Fannin
Dorsey Dysart
I am deeply saddened by Don's passing. During the years we had developed a friendship that meant a great deal to me. He was truly selfless in what he offered to the frienship and how he went out of his way to be of assistance. My condolence to his family and others with whom he had similar relationships. .
Dorsey Dysart