Joseph (Joe) Paul Butler, age 81, of Ingraham, and formerly of Yale, Illinois, peacefully and unexpectedly passed away at home on August 29, 2026.

      He married his wife, Judy Workman, 62 years ago.  Together they faced many challenges in life.

      Their surviving children are Jana (Jerry) South, Joetta (Tony) McFarland, Janessa (Brian) Lutz, and Jeremy (John) Butler.  Joe is also survived by six grandchildren: Jacob (Isabelle), Jade, and Jaci South, Trinity and Hunter Lutz, and Aden McFarland.  He respected each of them and was proud and thankful for each and every one of them.

      His children, Johnny Butler (1/2/1985) and Jody Butler Moldroski (5/07/2023), preceded him in death, as did his parents, John and Emogene (Bales) Butler, his brother, Jackie, and his parents-in-law, Willard and Julia Ann (Matlock) Workman.

      His sister, Diana Louise Ward Cantrell, and her family, along with his brother Jackie’s family, survive.

      He was a hard worker who spent most of his adult working life in the oil field and had skills ranging from mechanics to gardening, which he used for the benefit of family and friends.

      He deeply loved his family and felt very rich.  He also felt wonderfully blessed by in-laws and devoted friends.

      Private services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to Christ’s Church Sharing Pantry or the Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com