John Edward Butcher, 81, of Indianapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.

Born Nov. 20, 1928, in Bloomington, he was to the son of General and Arda Terrell Butcher. His marriage was on June 8, 1947, in Bloomington, to the love of his life, Virginia Claire Butcher, on her 18th birthday. She survives.

Mr. Butcher was a graduate of University High School.

He worked for Rotrucks Restaurant in Bloomington where he met Virginia.

In 1952 Mr. Butcher and his wife opened the Dinner Bell Restaurant in Bloomington where they raised their two daughters.

He and Virginia moved to Kokomo in 1959 and welcomed two sons to their family. The couple owned and operated a Western Auto store before becoming licensed real estate agents and opening Butcher Real Estate Agency.

Mr. Butcher and his wife devoted their lives to ministry by moving to Carthage, Miss., to attend Ozark Bible College. After graduation, he was asked to lead many prominent churches in Missouri, including Lewisburg Christian Church, Lafountain Christian Church, North Miami Christian Church, and West Side Christian. Many lives were touched through John’s Christian leadership, his humble testimony, his gentle spirit, and his delightful and unexpected sense of humor.

He and his wife then moved to Indianapolis where they established Butcher Real Estate Agency on East Washington Street and served the city by managing for H.U.D. and V.A.

Mr. Butcher attended Indiana Christian University where he obtained his degree in theology. He used his Christian education every day in his professional life.

He was a living example of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and he gave all he had physically, financially, and emotionally to mirror his Lord in his every endeavor.

Mr. Butcher reached out to touch the lives of people who would not have been touched otherwise and this was his life’s purpose.

He retired from the real estate industry and closed the offices in 2004.

Mr. Butcher was a charter member of Crossroads Christian Church in Burlington and was also instrumental in the establishment of the Middle Fork Community Christian Church.

Surviving with his wife are two daughters, Christian Lynn Ripperger (husband: Gary) and Julie Ann Hufford (husband: Brian); two sons, Joseph Scott Butcher (wife: Debra) and Daniel Clay Butcher (wife: Theresa); 11 grandchildren, Cherise Candlish De Paz, Anthony Candlish, Trisha Hufford Miller, Matthew Hufford, Gillian Butcher Sharp, Adam Butcher, Kristin Butcher Parkevich, Caleb Butcher, Andrew Butcher, Keristen Ford, and Katrina Scagnoli; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 21 at Crossroads Christian Church in Burlington. Burial followed at Burlington Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in his honor to the Crossroads Christian Church.

Arrangements were handled by Stout and Son Funeral Home, Russiaville.

Online condolences can be sent to stoutandson.com.