Duane Butler

Mr. Duane Butler, age 86, of Rt. 98, Great Valley, New York died Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at The Absolut of Salamanca, Salamanca, New York.

Born on May 31, 1924 in Great Valley, New York he was the son of the late Homer & Gladys Williams Butler. He was married in St. Patrick’s Church on November 21, 1945 to the former Dorothy Biegaj who predeceased him on March 2, 1997.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during WWII serving with the 51st Airborne in Europe

Mr. Butler had been employed at the former Fancher Furniture Company for over 40 years retiring in 1985.

He was a member of Great Valley First Baptist Church, American Legion Ellicottville Post #659, Ellicottville Sportsman Club. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapshooting, and operated Red’s Reloading.

Surviving are: 2 daughters, Linda (Larry) Tabak, Great Valley, New York, Lorraine (Jeffrey) Strader, Yakima, Washington; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Lila Kitzmiller, Panama, New York, Joyce (Walter) Fellows, Allegany, New York.

He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Dale Butler, Leland Butler.

Friends may call on Monday, June 7, 2010 at Great Valley First Baptist Church from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning at 11:00 A.M. in the Great Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Randy DeSantis, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, New York.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the Ellicottville American Legion Post #659.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.