Donald "Donnie" L. Butts

Donald “Donnie” L. Butts of Waraw, Indiana passed away at 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Warsaw at the age of 89.

He was born on October 1, 1934, in Akron, Indiana to Margaret L. (Rowe) Butts and Lawrence W. Butts.  Donnie was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana where he was a 1952 graduate of Beaver Dam High School where he excelled on the basketball team.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1956 from Manchester College, in North Manchester, Indiana, he earned his Master’s degree from Indiana University in 1967. 

He was a beloved teacher at North Webster High School, in North Webster, Indiana from 1956-1969.  Of course, being a teacher, he wore many hats, and enjoyed teaching Physical Education and was one of the patient teachers who taught countless students driver’s ed.  Donnie absolutely loved being a basketball coach at school, cheering on his athletes, encouraging them to get better, and a firm coach when needed.  In 2010 he was honored with being inducted into the Kosciusko County Basketball Hall of Fame for his high school basketball achievements, and in 2017 he was inducted into the Manchester College Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Donnie also sold World Book Encyclopedias from 1969 to the mid 1970’s.  For over 50 years he owned and operated Kuhn Lake’s Log Cabin Resort where he and his family also enjoyed spending time.  After retiring from the resort, Donnie moved to Warsaw and enjoyed his retirement years watching football, spending time with his family and of course, eating his favorite, fried chicken.  He was a member of North Webster Church of God in North Webster, Indiana.  Donnie enjoyed a long and full life, and will be forever remembered as a great dad, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.   

He leaves behind his son, Jeff (Carol) Butts (Grand Haven, MI); two daughters, Janii (David) Heyn (Ft. Wayne, IN); Jill Butts (Logansport, IN); five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Gene Butts (Warsaw, IN).  He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence W. Butts on February 23, 2000, mother, Margaret L. Butts on June 2, 2017, and one great-granddaughter, Marley Ring. 

Donnie’s life will be celebrated with a memorial visitation where friends and family may visit from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.  A private graveside service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw at a later date.   

Memorial donations may be directed to Cardinal Services, 504 N Bay Dr, Warsaw, IN 46580.

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