Dayton "Willie" William Butler

Dayton William Butler, known as “Willie” by his closest friends and family, was born September 28, 1987, and found peace with himself and his Lord on May 13, 2023.

Dayton was born in Kirksville, Missouri, son of Dayton Lee Butler and Sally Anne (Rowland) Butler of Milan, Missouri and brother to Rebecca Anne (Butler) Neuhalfen, now of Cameron, Missouri.

As a young child he enjoyed Cub Scouts, Little League Football, and Baseball.  He also played football some in his Jr. High and High school years and was a member of the FFA.  As years went by he loved spending time on the family farm with the cows and baby calves, hunting with his friends and family, mushroom hunting, fishing, his red dodge truck, and riding four wheelers. 

He graduated from Milan C-2 with the class of 2006.  Dayton was well known as “one of the good country boys.” He could always be found smiling and helping others. He had a heart of gold and his smile filled the room.

In 2007, Dayton attended the State Technical College in Linn, Missouri where he earned his Associates degree with a focus in Diesel Mechanics. While attending school in Linn, Dayton met the love of this life, Rebecca (Freet) Butler and eventually they moved to the family farm. In 2013, the two of them were married in Milan, Missouri and remained in the area to begin their lives together. In 2021, the family returned to the Linn area to raise their children. Together they have two beautiful children, William age 6 and Adaline age 3. Being a dad was by far his proudest accomplishment in life. He poured his heart and soul into his family. He enjoyed family time, playing with the children, reading to them, and attending Freshwater Christian Church together. Dayton had a never-ending love for his children and their mother, that will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his spouse Rebecca, and their children, his parents, his sister, and his brother-in-law, Kassidy Neuhalfen, his Uncle Jeffery Lee Butler and his nieces Payton and Nevaeh Neuhalfen.

Dayton was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dayton Louis and Bessie (Parker) Butler of Milan and Bill and Delores (Weaver) Rowland of Princeton, and his mother-in-law, Patsy Barber of Linn.

His wishes were to be cremated and to have a Celebration of Life.  His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Milan Christian Church in Milan starting at noon.  Lunch will be provided.

In lieu of flowers and food, please make donations to Dayton’s children. Donations will be collected at the Farmbank in Milan for William Butler and Adaline Butler.