David Patrick “Pat” Butler, 77, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, Kansas. He was born on November 15, 1947, and raised in Downey, California. Since 2021, Pat had been a resident at Meadowlark Hills, where he received compassionate care.
Pat was the son of George and Bertha (Birch) Butler. In 1973, he married Jean Butler, and together they raised two children in Wamego, Kansas. After their divorce in 1999,he returned to California, where he spent several years working as a handyman and enjoying his love of surfing.
A dedicated firefighter, Pat served for 18 ½ years with the Fort Riley Fire Department, ending his career as a Captain. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Wamego Fire Department, where he became a certified rescue diver. In addition to his firefighting career, Pat worked as a used car salesman, a salesman at KAWQ Radio Station, owned a lumber yard for a short period, and was involved in construction.
Pat proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His exposure to Agent Orange during his service contributed to his later struggles with Parkinson’s disease. As his condition progressed, he moved back to Kansas to be near his daughter.
Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community and its Parkinson’s Program provided him with exceptional care and support. One of his favorite activities was the Speedy PD, a race benefiting the Parkinson’s Program. He also enjoyed bus trips with Brennan, counting the bumps along the way and convincing her to take trips to Wamego. At Meadowlark, he took great pride in managing “his staff”, always offering guidance and loving every minute of it.
Pat is survived by his daughter, Stacie Eichem (Paul) of Wamego; his son, Benjamin Butler (Patricia) of Vienna, Austria; four grandchildren, Cambrey Eichem of Manhattan, Josh Eichem of Overland Park, Jake Eichem (Paige) of Wamego, and Oskar Butler-Tschen of Vienna, Austria; a great-granddaughter; his brother, Jim Butler (Betsy) of The Villages, Florida; and his dear friend, Julie Hale and her two children, of California.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation arrangements are under the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. As per Pat’s wishes, no traditional service will be held; instead, a private gathering will take place at a later date.