Paul Edward Butch

Paul Edward Butch, age 87, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, of natural causes. He was born in Lisbon, Ohio on April 30, 1933, the son of Felix Butch and Lucile (Long) Vogt. After growing up in Ohio, he married the love of this life Dorothy (Dottie) Jean Drummond, in 1952. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. Paul then began his life-long journey in the field of education. He earned degrees from Ohio Northern University and Kent State. He worked in Ohio as a teacher and administrator, and in 1967, he and Dottie moved their young family to Kalamazoo Michigan, where he took a teaching job at Nazareth College. Paul had a 25-year career as an educator in the Kalamazoo area, moving from Nazareth to the Portage school system, teaching students at all levels. During that time, he earned multiple degrees from Western Michigan University. Paul’s students were naturally drawn to his easy-going charm, and he formed lasting relationships with former students, fellow teachers, and colleagues. Paul, Dottie and their three children moved to Vicksburg in the early 70's and for many years enjoyed life on Sunset Lake, boating, fishing, swimming, and took pleasure in the company of many good friends. After retiring from Portage Public Schools, Paul and Dot built a house in Cape Coral, Florida and spent many wonderful years there. In 2007 they returned to the Portage area to be closer to family. Paul will be remembered by many for his accepting, compassionate spirit…all were welcome at the Butch home, where there were often gatherings large and small. Paul and Dottie were generous hosts to many over the years. He also had a very quick wit and was king of the cornball jokes, even in his last days. Paul is preceded in his passing by his beloved Dot (2015). Left to cherish many fond memories are his children: Paula (Andrew) Flanagan, Melinda (Brad Page) Boccia, and Kevin (Andrea Parker) Butch; grandchildren: Zakery Northrop, McKenna (Ben) Bishop, Emma (Reid) Albrecht, and Eliza (Bryan) Jach, Frances (Kyle Parker) Flanagan; great-grandchildren: Mabel Bishop, Elliot Jach, Samantha Parker; sisters: Patricia (Donald) Wutrick, Martha Cobb; brother-in-law: Joseph Hostnik. Also, many caring nieces, nephews, and friends in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. In accordance with Paul’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no public services held at this time. A private interment of Paul and Dorothy’s cremains will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan at a later date. Donations can be made in Paul’s name to Hospice of SW Michigan, www.hospiceswmi.org and the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org. Please take time to sign Paul’s guestbook at www.avinkcremation.com by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with his family. The Butch family is being cared for by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269)679-5622.