RODNEY L. BUTLER, 62, of Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, following a two-year illness. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Samuel and June Butler. He graduated from North Side High School in 1968 and attended First Assembly of God with his parents and siblings. While working at the A&P grocery on West State Street, he met his future wife, Karen Keltsch Butler, at her family's pharmacy next door. They married in 1972. Rod was one of the first Realtors to join Roach Thomas Associates in 1976 and later worked with Mike Thomas Associates. He also sold property and casualty insurance for Huff and Campbell Insurance Agency and subsequently specialized in Medicare Part B policies. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed Indiana University basketball, summers at Crooked Lake and family vacations, preferably with beach destinations. He is survived by his wife, Karen; the daughter he cherished, Stacey (Chris) Corlew; the grandchildren he adored, Michael, Alyssa and another due in July; his sister, Sharon (Phil) Bennett; and his brothers, Doug (Deb) and Jeff (Kathy), all of Fort Wayne; lifelong friends, Dwight Romey, Ken Nicolet, Mike Manore and Pam Webb, along with their families, helped care for Rod during the difficult last year. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road, with calling one hour prior. Pastor Jim Pearson officiating. Friends may also call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 Saint Joe Road. Private burial at Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Neuropathy Association, www.neuropathy.org, or Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, www.myasthenia.org
Published in Fort Wayne Newspapers on November 30, 2011