James Richard Butell

Mass of Christian Burial for James Richard Butell, 87, Lawrence, will be held following the Rosary which will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 16, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. James will lie in state on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. James passed away September 10, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, KS.
James was born April 29, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Richard and Helen (Schehrer) Butell.
James graduated from Baldwin High School in 1952. He was a lifelong farmer, he also worked in construction, building homes from 1954-1964. He then worked in the Quality Control Lab for Dupont from 1964-1986 when he retired. He loved to collect classic cars. Jim obtained his pilot license, had his own plane and enjoyed checking the crops from an aerial view. He was an avid sports fan, enjoying KU Basketball, Chiefs and Royals games. He loved county music, making many trips to Branson and Nashville to watch shows. He always enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, he was so proud of them.
He married Barbara Lesch on November 15, 1958 at St. John’s Catholic Church. He was a long-time member of St. John’s Church.
Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara of the home; two sons, Michael Butell, Lawrence, Greg Butell (Trevor French) Leawood, KS; two grandsons, Austin and Aaron Butell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Butell, and two sons, Christopher and David Butell.
Memorial contributions may be made in James’s name to St. John’s Catholic Church or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.