Ernie C. Butler, 77 of Bellefontaine passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Lima Memorial Hospital.

Ernie was born November 17, 1945 in Morehead, KY to the late Johnny "Dan" and Celia L. (Johnson) Butler. On January 14, 1964 in Bellefontaine he married the love of his life Janice D. Earick, who survives.

Ernie honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He later retired from Honda after 28 years of hard work and dedicated service. He was an accomplished machinist who loved working on vintage motorcycles. There wasn't much he could not fix, fabricate or engineer. Ernie was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting and the great outdoors in general. He lived life on his terms and did things his own way up until the very end. Ernie loved his family dearly, they were his greatest joy in his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice D. Butler; children, Brian (Robin) Butler, John (Stephanie) Butler, Darla (Bryan) LeVan and Kevin (Heather) Butler; grandchildren, Josh (Annie), Nicole (Dave), Blake (Katie), Madison, Kayla (Brandon), Rylee (Sonny), Elliott and Greyson; great grandchildren, Jackson, Asher, Evan, Kaleb, Caden, Miles, Hattie and River; 9 siblings and many nieces and nephews; an adored exchange student who was like family, Birka.

He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

A time of gathering for friends and family will take place Monday, December 12, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial of ashes will take place in Highland Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.