David “Bird” Carl Butt, age 69 of Batesville, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of Rose (Nee: White) and Carl Butt.
In Dave’s childhood, he loved playing sports, walking down the railroad tracks, swimming at the Memorial Pool and playing with his soon to be lifelong friends. His love for sports continued to grow as he got older, eventually becoming quite the athlete. The shortstop king, Dave never missed a grounder coming his way. In time, softball became one of his favorite hobbies.
He married Rita Suding in 1984 and they welcomed two beautiful daughters, which quickly became his greatest joy. One of Dave’s biggest accomplishments was being a father. His children, Ashley and Erin thought of their Dad as a superhero, and even as adults, still see him that way. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer.
He was in sales for over 35 years starting at Nestle Food Service in 1983, after finally retiring from Phillips Supply Company in 2018. To keep busy, Dave worked part-time for Catch-A-Ride where he was able to do what he loved to do most, talk and meet new people.
According to his family, he loved to tell stories. You would always find him talking about his childhood growing up on Beechgrove Ave, reciting every play of the IU Basketball games, or sharing unforgettable memories of coaching softball. You knew if you ran into him, you better be ready to go down memory lane. His humor was incomparable and his quick wit and one-liners would often find you laughing for hours.
He was one of the most selfless people, always volunteering his time where he could. Whether it was at the Batesville Food Pantry, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center, or coaching Girls Softball, he left an impression on everyone he knew.
As a servant of the Lord, he was a protector. Gentle, kind and loving he took care of his parents, his children and his grandkids. He was easy to talk to and would always be right there when you needed him. He impacted so many people throughout his life and trusted God to be by his side throughout everything he did. He always found the good in someone and made you want to be a better person. He never knew a stranger and lit up a room with his presence.
Dave loved the outdoors, so naturally, that’s where many of his hobbies took him. You could often find him fishing, hiking state parks, riding his bike, or watching his favorite sports teams. He loved reading his favorite books, listening to music, and jeep rides down the backroads.
Many of us will remember him by his friendly personality and the infectious smile he always had on his face. He couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. You’ll never meet another person who enjoyed life more than him. He embraced every moment spent with his daughters, grandchildren, family, and friends. He appreciated the little things in life and never took that for granted. He truly was one of the best.
He is survived by his two loving daughters; Ashley Butt and Erin Butt of Batesville, IN and his grandchildren, Zoe and Reagan Bolser and Grayson May. He is also survived by his brother Alan (JoAnn) Butt of Batesville, two sisters, Carla Lindemann of Jeffersonville, IN and Carol (Mike) Leeth of Markle, IN. He is also loved by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation is on Tuesday, December 21st from 4-7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd, at St. Mark Lutheran Church with Pastor Jill Kepler Campbell officiating. The family requests memorials to the Butt Grandchildren Education Fund or The David Butt Sports Foundation. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.