Robert F. Butler

Robert F. "Bob" Butler, age 93, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on February 12, 2021 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida. Robert was born October 30, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late John Patrick and Ruby (Boehning) Butler. He married Marilyn Irvine on December 4, 1948. Robert was a WW II veterans, serving in the United States Navy. After his discharge, Bob went to work for the US Rubber Company in Indianapolis for several years before becoming a police officer. He started his law enforcement career as a reserve officer for the Hancock County Sheriff's Department. In 1962 he was hired as a patrolman with Greenfield Police Department. Bob worked his way through the ranks becoming chief in 1983. He remained chief until his retirement in 1991, serving almost 29 years with Greenfield Police. Bob also worked a second job for many years at Mueller's Auto Body Shop. After retiring, Bob and Marilyn moved to Homosassa, Florida to manage The Last Resort before moving to Lakeland, Florida in 1993. Bob belonged to several organizations in his lifetime. Past Governor of the Moose Lodge, life member of B.P.O.E. #1720, American Legion Post #119, Hancock Lodge #101 F & AM, Greenfield York Rite, Murat Shrine, Eastern Star, and past president and founding charter member of Hancock County Fraternal Order of Police #140. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Lori) Butler and Bart (Shawna) Butler, both of Lakeland, Florida; daughter, Tara Tague (Greg Bennett) of Fortville, Indiana; grandchildren, Michael Todd (Sally) Butler, Amanda Williams (Gary DeYoung), Robert Jason (Erin) Butler, Sarah Elizabeth (Greg) Crabtree, Austin Butler, and Ashley (Hans) Lehman; 10 great grandchildren with another one on the way, and 7 great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn in 2006; sisters, Anna Lou Papageorge, Patricia Miles; brother, John Butler; grandson, Michael Ryan Butler, and son-in-law, Robert Tague. A graveside service will be held, 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Park Cemetery, Greenfield, with a Masonic Service provided by Hancock Lodge #101, F & AM and Police Honor Guard detail provided by Greenfield Police Department Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Hancock County F.O.P. #140, PO Box 400, Greenfield, Indiana 46140 or Hancock Lodge #101, F&AM, 661 W. Tague Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140. Please share your memories of Bob and condolences with his family at www.stillingerfamily.com.