David Warren ‘Dave” Butler, 70 , former Mayor and long time City Commissioner of Atchison KS died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at his home.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00pm on Friday, Feb. 14th, 2020 at the funeral home. Following the memorial celebration service, visitation will continue at the Elks Lodge, 609 Kansas Ave from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. The body has been cremated and family interment will be at a later date in the Iola Cemetery, Sparks, KS.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elks National Foundation or the Atchison Boys & Girls Club and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Dave was born on May 8, 1949 in Kansas City, KS, the son of Edgar W. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Gullikson) Butler.  He graduated from Atchison High School in 1967 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kansas in 1972.   David worked with his father in the family Butler RX Prescription business in Atchison. Following his dad’s retirement he owned and operated the business until he joined with Reynolds Drug Store.   Dave also was the first full-time Pharmacist for the Atchison Hospital. After retiring from the hospital pharmacy he volunteered as a pharmacist at the Atchison Community Health Clinic and worked part time for the KEX RX Pharmacy, Atchison, KS.  In 1993 he was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia Award from the National Pharmacy Association for his community service and also named Citizen of the Year by the Atchison Daily Globe. He was a member of the Kansas Pharmacy Association, a former member of the Atchison Jaycees, a member of the National Rifle Assoc, Bellevue Country Club, Atchison Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of Scouting, and the Fred Noonan Society, where he served as Secretary-Treasurer. Dave was active in the Elks BPO Lodge serving as Exalted Ruler two times, in 1976 and in 2019.  He was a member of the Atchison Bass Club, Willie’s Coffee Club, had served on the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was an Atchison City Commissioner for over 23 years, and served as Mayor of Atchison for several terms. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, smoking a cigar, and bourbon. Mr. Butler was one of the most dedicated, positive people who never knew a stranger and loved to talk up, promote, and work to improve his home town of Atchison, KS. He was proud of the new bridge project that he and the commission worked so hard on getting built during his time on the commission. He also was an avid KU Basketball Fan and KU Alumnus.

Dave was married to Kathleen M. Bell on Feb. 14, 1976.  Kathy survives of their home in Atchison. Additional survivors include a son Greg J. (Tanya) Butler, Manhattan, KS and daughter Shari S. (Chad) Roth, Newton, KS and five grandchildren Brendan Butler, Madison Roth, Anabel Roth, Riley Roth, and Evie Roth.  His parents, and two brothers, Steven and Harlan, preceded him in death.