Donald L. Butler

Donald Lowrey Butler, 87, loving husband of Priscilla for over 68 years, journeyed home to be with our Lord on Friday, July 17, 2026. Don was born in Bristol CT on July 28, 1938. He was the son of the late Albert and Esther Butler from Terryville, Ct.

He was a loving father who shared his love with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could see the joy on the children’s faces whenever “Gigi Pop” was near. A man of many talents, Don spent numerous years as a salesman in various industries. His ability to soft sell and relate to people was very natural to him and he took pride in the products he sold. In the early years, he also played drums on weekends to help make ends meet. His love of music was a great influence on our family. The Butler rhythm! James Taylor could often be heard in the Butler household, as well as many other artists. He authored numerous articles and was featured on “Fly Fishing America” as well as local newspapers and magazines for his expertise in the sport. Don affectionately known as “The Fish Fox”, was an avid fisherman. He excelled in the sport and was a renowned fly fisherman and guide on the Farmington and Housatonic Rivers. He taught countless people the skills of fly fishing as well as fly tying. During hatches, he was often found in Church Pool with a trout on the line. Dad was an adventurer who took his fly fishing skills across the country to places like Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and also to exotic tropical locations in the Bahamas in search of the illusive Bonefish. As an avid Giants and Red Sox fan, he could often be found rooting for his favorite teams and playfully teasing the family members who were Yankee fans! Dad had a great sense of humor that was shared by all. 

In addition to his loving wife Priscilla, Don leaves his five children and their spouses; Michael and Susan Butler, Terry and Briant Hoganson, Christopher and Deborah Butler, Kathy and Raymond LaForest and Lori and Rob Johnson. He also leaves nine grandchildren; Nicole and Sean Butler (Jennah), Christopher Perkins (Kristin), Briana Kulik (John), Lauren Klein (Jeremy), Jacob ( Alexandra), Jonathan (Kelly), and Josiah (Hanah) Butler and Raymond LaForest Jr. (Jen). He was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren; Colden, Marshall, Tristan, Daxton, Audrina, Madelyn, Sophia, Ethan and Everly.

He also leaves his brother James Montague and his wife Diane who were a great help in his time of need, many beloved nieces and nephews and his good friend George Duncan. He was predeceased by his loving parents Albert and Esther as well as his stepfather Raymond Montague and brother Harold Butler. The family would like to thank the staff at the Southington Care Center, Hartford Hospital Cardiac Unit and ICU, Bristol Hospital and especially to the Bristol Home Care and Hospice staff for their compassion and care.

Don will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. He lived a long life filled with love and happiness. There will be a private family memorial service to celebrate Don’s life. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Orphan Grain Train, 33 S. Main St. Terryville, Ct 06786 or the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 191 Main St. Terryville, CT 06786.

For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.dunnfh.com