Claude J. Butler

Claude Jerald Butler, 73, of Goshen, died Thursday, April 1, 2010, at Goshen General Hospital. He was born in New Castle, Indiana, on April 5, 1936, to William H. and Opal M. (Davis) Butler.  He married Estella Eash on June 7, 1956.  She died March 10, 2009. A member of Maple City Baptist Church, Mr. Butler worked as a press operator.  He served with the National Guard 151st Infantry, 38th Division, Company A as a rifleman and was promoted to Cook.  He was a longtime member of the Goshen Moose Lodge. Surviving are daughters, Cynthia Lynn (Danny) Scott of Goshen, Claudette Diane (Thomas) McManus of Middlebury, Melissa Louise Butler of Goshen and Charlotte Butler of Nappanee; son, Allen Lee (Maureen) Butler and Donald Harrison (Rose) Butler, both of Goshen ; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Juanita Archer of Goshen; and brother, Jesse Butler of New Castle, Indiana. He was preceded in death by son, Robert Phillip Butler on May 27, 1978; granddaughter, Kristin Reann McKibbin on January 5, 1995; two sisters, Phyllis Flora and Nancy Miller; and four brothers, George, Charlie, Donald and Jimmy Butler. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 2, and 11 to 1p.m., Saturday, April 3, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2010, funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be made to Maple City Baptist Church.