John L. Butcher

John L. Butcher, 80 of Hilliard, OH, passed peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in his home.

John was born November 25, 1943, in Youngstown, OH, a son of Leroy C. and Claire M. (Tierney) Butcher. A 1961 graduate of Boardman High School, he continued his education at Bowling Green State University and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He was a member and President of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. It was at Bowling Green where he met his wife of 59 years, Linda (Kah) Butcher. Through their life together they lived in Boardman, Ohio, Guelph, Ontario and Hilliard, Ohio.

John loved anything with an engine. He diligently restored a 1932 Ford Model A pickup truck, a 1959 Cadillac, and a 1964 Corvette. The Cadillac and Corvette both won awards at various car shows. John also collected motorcycles and classic scooters, but tinkered with them more than he rode them. John enjoyed live music and his guitar collection. While at college he formed and led a cover band called “The Uncalled Four,” which played at fraternity and sorority parties and other music venues around Bowling Green, Ohio. Later in life you could find him playing his electric guitars along to classic songs of the 50’s and 60’s. In particular he loved his 1965 Moserite guitar and The Ventures, Beach Boys, and Dire Straits.

After working as a high school art teacher in western Ohio for seven years, John changed careers and joined Commercial Shearing and Stamping Co. in Youngstown, Ohio as a Time Study Engineer in 1973. After serving in various positions of increasing levels of responsibility he became Manager of Commercial Shearing’s plant in Guelph, Ontario, Canada in 1987. Returning to Corporate Headquarters in Youngstown in 1993, he served in several posts with what became Commercial Intertech and then Parker Hannifin Corporation. He retired in 2003 and moved to Hilliard, OH. He spent his retirement years traveling, gardening, and relaxing poolside with his wife, children, and granddaughters. John spent his weekends watching auto racing and rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Later, he could be found driving his classic golf cart throughout his neighborhood with his wife and beloved Chiweenie, Bella.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew James Butcher.

John is survived by his wife, Linda (Kah) Butcher and two children; daughter Christine Butcher of Upper Arlington, OH and son Michael (Wendy) Butcher of Galena, OH; granddaughters Grace and Audrey Butcher. He also leaves behind a brother Jim (Karen) Butcher of Northampton, MA, a grandniece Amanda (Butcher) Duncan of Bothell, WA; a sister-in-law Kathy (Kah) Prichard of Dunedin, FL, as well as many friends and extended family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s honor to the Ganzhorn Suites Specialized Memory Care. Ganzhorn is an incredible community of people who lovingly care for Linda and provide support for families of those suffering with dementia.

Ganzhorn Suites, 10272 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH 43065