Joe Willie Butler

Joe W. Butler, beloved husband, daddy, papa, son, brother and friend, was born on July 28, 1955 to Carrie A. (Lucas) and Claude “Buster” Butler. in Crawfordsville, AR. He was the second child/brother of fifteen siblings. He passed away next to his wife of fifty years on Friday, November 28, 2025 in Danville, Illinois.
A natural leader, Joe was known for his unwavering kindness, generosity, quick wit, and ability to make anyone laugh and feel welcome. A product of public schools in Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois, Joe was a lifelong learner and could often be found at the public library reading alone or with his kids and grandkids. He entered the workforce early to take care of his young family, ultimately retiring from Central Laborer’ Local 31 with many years spent at Esco Corporation and Schomburg & Schomburg. Joe was a skilled musician and background vocalist, playing alto sax and performing all over Central Illinois and Indiana with the PowerHouse band for more than six years. Even in his older years, he made sure his children and grandchildren knew and appreciated good music.
Joe enjoyed riding motorcycles in his 20s (always with one wheel in the air!), reading, cooking, fishing, hunting, watching the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts, politicking, and hanging with his brothers. He was very particular about how his grass was cut, keeping his cars clean, and he always had a story to tell! In retirement, Joe loved to keep busy, keeping maintenance at Laura Lee Fellowship House, a staple in the community, for more than six years. His proudest retirement gig was “work[ing] for his daughter!” at Social in downtown Danville. Affectionately called the “Building and Grounds Director,” Joe really was key at keeping everything moving at the event venue. Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He rarely missed a recital, performance, ball game, graduation, or event, even with his adult children. He was a husband, dad and grandad who
showed up! He married his high school sweetheart, Marva Jean Beasley, on August 9, 1975—a union that lasted until his death. They had three children and three granddaughters who were his absolute pride and joy: Katris Shawntai, Katasha Sherrie, and Lejas Keyon; and Anija Shamori Monie, Jalaya Sierra and Peyton Jaselle. If you knew Joe even just a little bit, you knew how much he loved his family and how much they loved him. He took pleasure in taking care of his mother Carrie, even until his last day.
A member of Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, Joe was always helpful when and where needed—serving in the men’s choir, cooking and driving the church van. Joe was a Master Mason for many years with Corinthian Lodge #31, where he served as a Junior and Senior Deacon. Joe spent countless hours in service to others, whether mowing a neighbor’s lawn, helping with bike giveaways or driving parade floats for the AKAs. He could always be counted on to lend a hand, and he believed in doing good quietly and humbly.
Joe was preceded in death by, his father; step-father, Homer Harmon; two brothers, James and Steven; his mother-in-law, Marva Louise Tools; a special brother-in-law, Rickie Bankhead; and a nephew, Kevin Lucas. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, children and granddaughters; a son-in-law, Kehinde (KD) Sheyindemi; six brothers, Clyde (Brenda) Butler, Robert Butler, Sr., Jesse Butler, Roy Butler, Derrick Butler and Bobby (Stephanie) Buford; eight sisters, Lucille Butler, Mary Flaggs, Bobbie (Raymond) Brown, Gloria (William) Johnson, Brenda (Yaser) Severado, Ora Reaves, Geneva Jones and Demetria (Manolito) Perez; two favorite uncles, Jewel Lucas and Joe Lucas; special nieces, I’eshia
(Kazeem), Rykeshia, Queshia (RaSean), Erica, Asia, Kesha and Janelle; close friends, Douglas Pearson, and Keith Groves, Sr.; and many, many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Joe’s life was a testament to love, laughter, brotherly bonds and service. He leaves behind a legacy of family devotion, hard work, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he is gone from our sight, his stories, his joy, and his unwavering spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

A Home Going Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon Monday December 8, 2025 at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Danville.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Eulogist: Pastor U. Pete Williams. A Public viewing will be from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.  Sunday December 7, 2025 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St. Danville.

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