Donald Gene Butte

Donald Gene Butte, age 75, slipped peacefully into his heavenly home on March 7, 2026, after courageously facing gastric cancer for more than a year. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his wife and daughter as he made his gentle departure.
Born on December 9, 1950, to the late Clark and Mildred Phelps Butte, Don grew up in Eubank, Kentucky, where he enjoyed what he often described as an idyllic childhood. He spent his days roller skating and riding his bike to get a bologna sandwich, and hanging out at his grandfather’s Ford dealership—where he first discovered the joy of numbers while playing with the adding machines. Even as a boy, Don carried a quiet steadiness and a spark of curiosity that would shape the man he became.
Music was one of Don’s earliest gifts. At just 12 years old, he began playing the piano and organ at Eubank Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong ministry of sharing his talent. For 25 years, he filled the sanctuary of Chevy Chase Baptist Church with music that lifted hearts and deepened faith. Don often said he felt closest to God when his hands were on the keys.
It was in that very sanctuary, on an ordinary Sunday, that he was playing “Chariots of Fire” when a young woman walked through the doors—and everything changed. Their eyes met, and the rest unfolded like a story written just for them. Don and Mary fell in love quickly and completely, marrying eight months after their first date. For 38 years they built a life defined by devotion, laughter, and a partnership that made them each other’s truest companion. Their daughter, Sarah Kathryn (Katie), became the light of Don’s life, and he adored her with a depth that everyone around them could see.
Don’s life was full of adventure, joy, and simple pleasures shared with the people he loved. He and Mary traveled through Europe, and made more than 50 trips to Disney World with Katie—where Don was an avid rollercoaster rider and the undisputed champion of the Buzz Lightyear ride. Yet his favorite tradition was the annual Pigeon Forge Christmas vacation with the Lee women, Joyce and Thelma and brother-in-law, Arnold. As the designated driver, he navigated the Parkway with patience and humor while the women talked over one another, offering directions, commentary, and laughter in equal measure. Don cherished those trips, especially knowing they ended with dinner at Paula Deen’s—a sweet reward he looked forward to every year.
Soft‑spoken but quick‑witted, he would leave you laughing long after he landed a “zinger”. He had a remarkable way of saying what everyone else was thinking, delivering it with perfect timing in his hilarious manner. He and Mary laughed their way through some difficult situations finding that humor helped them put things in perspective,
A graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Certified Public Accountant, Don dedicated 40 years of his career to Fasig‑Tipton Thoroughbred Sales. As the leader of the company’s accounting and financial operations, he worked with buyers and sellers from around the world, handling transactions for some of the most expensive racehorses ever sold. Don was respected not only for his expertise, but for the integrity, humility, and calm professionalism he brought to every sale. He was the face of the Sales Office—a trusted constant along with his long-time staff who always delivered exceptional service to everyone who came through the door.
Mary and Katie often traveled with him to the East Coast sales, and Katie began “working” in the Saratoga Springs office at age seven, handing out catalogs and pens. It became their cherished tradition: father and daughter at the snack bar, debating which horse would be the sales topper. They were inseparable, and clients frequently told Mary and Katie what a good man Don was—a sentiment echoed by all who knew him. Despite his accomplishments, Don always downplayed his role, simply saying, “I’m just an accountant.” He retired in 2021, after he and Mary moved to Southwest Florida in 2019 to be near the beach he loved.
Nothing delighted Don more than welcoming family to to their home and treating them to the beauty of Sanibel and Captiva. He loved discovering new waterfront restaurants, especially the hidden gems, though his heart always belonged to the Mucky Duck where he loved to watch the sunset. Days on the water, backyard barbecues, laughter with friends, and time spent making memories—these were the moments he treasured most. He was loved deeply, and he loved deeply in return.
Don is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou Lee‑Butte; their daughter, Sarah Kathryn (Katie) Butte; and his loyal canine companions, Schnitzel and Noodle. He is also survived by his caring brother, Harold Butler, and his wife, Anne; by nieces and nephews; and by a large extended family on Mary’s side who embraced him as their own.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Chuck Kemp on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Clintonville Christian Church, 141 Austerlitz Road, Paris, Kentucky. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m. Those wishing to honor Don’s memory may do so with a gift to Clintonville Christian Church, 141 Austerlitz Rd Paris, KY 40361 or the Paris Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 6 Legion Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361.