GREENWOOD
Joe M. Butler, 85, of Greenwood, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
He was born on July 20, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Charles and Clara (Dickerson) Butler.
Joe graduated from Daniel Webster High School in Tulsa, where he won the state wrestling championship and played football. Joe then attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was named an all-American wrestler, was a member of the national championship team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business. Joe received a master’s degree from Butler University.
Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.
Joe married Marya Jo Betner on Aug. 6, 1960, in Greenwood.
Joe started his career in education as a teacher and coach at Harry E. Wood High School then was dean of boys at Greenwood High School. He also taught special education at Perry East Junior High and retired as director of student services for MSD Perry Township.
Joe played a vital role in starting several organizations, including Southside Youth Council (now Reach for Youth), Perry Township Voluntary Services, Rise Special Services (now Southside Special Services of Marion County) and Central Indiana School Employees Federal Credit Union (now a part of Forum Credit Union).
Joe was an active member of LifePoint Church and coached several sports, including the women’s golf team at Franklin College. Joe was an avid golfer.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Johanna (Joe) Finneran and Julianne Butler; grandchildren, Christopher and Drew Finneran; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his wife, Marya Jo; and his brothers, Ronald and Gerald.
A celebration of life service for Joe will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at LifePoint Church, 8540 Combs Road, Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at LifePoint Church. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center is handling the arrangements.
The family has suggested memorial gifts be given to the LifePoint Building Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.singletonmortuary.com.
