John Butkins, 80, of LaFayette, died Friday at the VA Hospital in Syracuse following a long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Born in Syracuse, he was the son of the late, Percy and Anne Newman Butkins. John retired from Allied Chemical following 29 years as a pipe fitter. Mr. Butkins was a life member and Past Commander of LaFayette Post 1955 VFW, an avid SU Lacrosse fan, enjoyed gardening, woodworking, horses and was a former Scout Master of Troop 100 in LaFayette. He was a communicant of The Church of The Nativity at St. Joseph's. He was a US Navy veteran serving on the USS Quincy during the Korean Conflict. He was predeceased by a grandson, Joshua Butkins in 2009; brother, Louis Butkins; and two sisters, Joan Krull and Barbara Beckwith. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Betty Jean Matson; sons, John (Charlene) of Liverpool, William (Laurel) of Cuyler, Peter (Kimberly Kesel) of Brewerton and David (Wendy) Butkins of Baldwinsville; daughter, Kathleen (Brian Franklin) Butkins of LaFayette; his mother, Rosemary Newman Butkins of Clay; brothers, Dr. Peter of Orlando, FL and Robert Butkins of State College, PA; sisters, Tina (Hank) Bustin of Cicero and Valerie (Donald) Robbins of Liverpool; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and his canine companion, Pixie. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc. 3584 Field Lane, LaFayette. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A Mass of Christian Burial will at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph's, 6136 Cherry Valley Tpk. (Rt. 20), LaFayette. Contributions may be made to ALS Association (Upstate NY Chapter), 890 7th North St., Suite 108, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Published in Syracuse Post Standard from July 5 to July 6, 2014
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***Family Links***
Grandson:
Joshua-Michael Bristol Butkins (1984-2009)