Dean Calvert Butler was born on September 19, 1922 to Hylas and Gertrude Butler in Great Bend Kansas, and had two older sisters. Dean enlisted in the Navy in 1943, and he began his training as an aircraft mechanic. Eventually, he was transferred to Pensacola, Florida, and during that time he attended Pensacola Bible Church and met Lieutenant (JG) Ethel Mathis, a Navy nurse. In December 1945, Dean and Ethel were providentially cast as the "best man" and "maid of honor" for one of Ethel's best friends, and following that wedding, began their own courtship. They were honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1946, and were married on August 2 of that same year. Their first son, John Michael was born on June 8, 1947. On October 2, 1954 Dean and Ethel's second son, Timothy Paul was born and a year later, on October 13, 1955 Sarah Catherine completed their young family. In 1956, Dean and Ethel bought a house in Farmers Branch, Texas and began attending Grace Chapel, which a few years later, became Farmers Branch Bible Church, and years later, Metrocrest Bible Church. During their many years with those congregations, Dean served as the church treasurer and an elder, and their home was always open to missionaries. Their faith in Jesus Christ, and their love for Him, motivated their lives of faithful, loving service to others. In October of 2012, Dean and Ethel moved to their new home in Wichita, Kansas at a senior-assisted living center. Despite the painful loss of his wife Ethel two months later, Dean lived life to the fullest and immensely enjoyed his family. Dean was preceded in death by his two sisters, and by his loving wife Ethel who passed away on January 11, 2013. He leaves behind a grateful and grieving family including his son John and his wife, Sandra; his son Tim and his wife Joy; and his daughter Cathy and her husband Ken Cooper. Family members also include 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Restland Funeral Home prior to the graveside service at 11:00 am Restland Memorial Park.