Harold D. “Butch” Gayler, Ozark, Missouri, formerly of Rock Port, Missouri, passed away January 20, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri. Born to Pete and Pearl (Voltmer) Gayler on September 25, 1940, Butch attended Rock Port schools. He married Jane Cooper on June 15, 1962. To this union two children, Tony and Nikki, were born. Jane passed away on March 24, 1999. On July 21, 2000, Butch and Sheleen Pitner were united in marriage.

Rural Electric Co-op was his place of employment for 32 years. He retired in 2002 as line superintendent. Many stories have been told of the good times and bad times while working there with a group of great guys. He appreciated all of them and their support. Butch enjoyed a great game of golf with his buddies at the Rock Port Golf Club and was a member for many years.

In 2007, Butch and Sheleen moved to Ozark. Nobody was a stranger to him. He made many new friends. Some of his favorite pastimes were spent making knives, leather-working, fishing, hunting, and cutting wood. He was always busy. He enjoyed helping the grandsons processing their deer or cutting wood with them. He worked part-time for O’Reilly Auto Parts in Ozark for four years before having to quit because of health issues. He always looked forward to going to work with the “guys.” Butch was a former member of the CM Patriot Guard Riders. Motorcyle trips were taken to Sturgis with friends, camping along the way. Sheleen and Butch were always ready for a spur-of-the-moment trip or a leisurely ride with friends with lots of laughter.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane; son, Tony; and brother, Wayne. He leaves behind his wife, Sheleen, of the home in Ozark; daughter, Nikki (Joe) Hunter; stepsons, Mike Carr and Tom (Christy) Ladish; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandaughters; siblings, Joe Gayler, Diane Davis, and Marlin Gayler; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or Integrity Hospice.