Richard Markland Butler, M.D., was born on May 16, 1942, in Flushing, New York to James and Lily Butler. Dr. Butler passed away peacefully at Reid Health on August 27, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Linda Butler; sister Eileen Oxley (Kevin) of Huntington, Indiana; son Brian Butler (Janel) of Centerville, Ohio; Daughter, Melissa Butler of Centerville, Ohio; stepsons Michael Hancock (Anette) of Indianapolis; Martin Hancock (Kathryn Glen) of Richmond, Indiana; Marco Hancock (Amber) of Richmond; grandchildren Baylee Savage of Centerville, Ohio; Isabella Butler of Oxford, Ohio; Joshua Butler of Centerville, Ohio; Ashley Mosley of Palm Harbor, Florida; Chace Hancock of Richmond; Blake Hancock of Richmond; Brady Hancock of Gratis, Ohio; Connor Hancock of Richmond; sister-in-law Brenda Stover (Robert) of Richmond; brother-in-law Gary Pentecost (Shari) of Durham, North Carolina; nieces Michele Katherines, Arizona; Andrea Douglass of Fort Wayne; Heather Lott, Arizona; nephew: Aaron Oxley of Las Vegas, Nevada.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Raymond and Martha Pentecost, and many aunts and uncles.
Richard graduated from Richmond High School in 1960 and went on to study a pre-medicine curriculum at Earlham College, graduating in 1964. He was admitted to the Indiana University School of Medicine and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 1968. He completed an internship at Riverside County General Hospital in Riverside, California in 1969 and moved back to Richmond, Indiana to begin his career. After two years of general practice, Richard chose to specialize in radiology and completed his residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in 1974. He was a well-known Radiologist at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Indiana, where he was beloved by all for his positive, pleasant demeanor. He eventually served as Chief of Radiology and twice Chief of Staff. Over the course of his more than 30-year career, Richard was fortunate to have worked with the Indiana University School of Medicine, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Riverside General Hospital in California, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University, Henry County Memorial Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Knox Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and Greene Memorial Hospital. Richard had an affinity for the bagpipes, which he learned at an early age from his father, formerly of Belfast, Northern Ireland. While at Earlham, familiar students would often remark that they could hear “Butler and his bagpipes” roaming the campus in the misty fog of a still morning, imparting to everyone in earshot the distinctive humming of the chanter and drones. At his 50-year class reunion, he reenacted his piper’s march, bringing out of the dorms and halls Earlhamites young and old. A successful medical career wasn’t his only endeavor. Richard loved hot rods. He was the co-owner of Richmond Performance Center from 1979 to 1997, where he built custom drag cars from scratch. He was an avid drag racer, competing in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) races for over 40 years. He began with one car and eventually brought his son Brian and his daughter Melissa into the family business. They toured the circuit and each raced their own cars to the receipt of many accolades. Richard was also the founder and key financial supporter of the Super Quick series of the NHRA and was named Person of the Year, along with his family. After a long, successful career in medicine, Richard planned to retire. That plan was short-lived. He was asked to become Chief of Radiology at Knox Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Two years later, he was asked to become a partner of a newly formed radiology group, Medical Imaging Physicians, in Greene County, Ohio, where he worked for several years until it was time to actually retire. Alas, retirement from medicine and drag racing meant it was time to start a new venture. Richard and Linda opened an antique store in Springfield, Ohio, where they shared their love and passion for vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, engines, and all the accessories and collectibles that go along with them. They called it Grandpa’s Garage, and it flourished and attracted like-minded enthusiasts for years. Richard and Linda also enjoyed traveling. They ventured from the Midwest across the globe. They especially loved Marco Island, Florida, where they were married. They visited the island often and rekindled their love on the beach at sunset. Exploring their roots, they also traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Once, while in an ancient Scottish castle, Richard took an opportunity to play the bagpipes for the guests, who were amazed he could still play with such skill and grace. Traveling the U.S. in their oversized R.V., Richard could be found driving with a set of dachshunds on his lap. He babied them and they loved him for it. For those of you who knew Richard, you know how kind, passionate, and full of life he was. If you didn’t, you missed knowing a very unique man. He was an accomplished medical doctor, a well-known drag racer and speed shop owner, and just an authentic, down-to-earth, good-hearted guy. He loved people. He had such a skill for greeting, welcoming, listening, understanding, and caring for every human being he met. One could learn a lot from Richard about how to live life with purpose, passion, and humility.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday, September 1st, 2022, at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home with Pastor Annie Glen officiating; a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stegallberheideorr.com