The Reverend Charles Donald Butcher, age 78, of Buckhannon, died Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Magnolia Assisted Living in Hurricane, WV surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Buckhannon, WV on June 15, 1945, a son of Mary Josephine Lake Butcher Thornhill and was lovingly raised by her and his stepfather Kenneth R. Thornhill (who continued to raise Don for the next 52 years). On March 9, 1968, he was united in marriage to his wife of 39 years, Pamela Jane Harper who preceded him in death on May 17, 2007.
He is survived by two children: Traci Allison Dunmire of Hurricane and Brock Alex Butcher of Buckhannon; two grandchildren: Allison Clair and husband Brady Allen Mangus of Lynchburg, VA (expecting a great grandson William Gray Mangus in September) and Cameron Todd Dunmire of Hurricane; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law Ralph and Mary Harper.
Don graduated Buckhannon-Upshur High School with the Class of 1963 and West Virginia Wesleyan College with the Class of 1967, where he was an All-American basketball player. He went on to teach and coach football and basketball at Buckhannon-Upshur High School for many years and remained passionate about Upshur County sports all his life.
He was also a Sunday school teacher and Gideon before entering the ministry beginning as an ordained pastor of the Pickens Baptist Church and later the Sand Run Baptist Church. His kind and giving nature shone through as a devoted husband, a beloved father and grandfather, a dedicated pastor, a steadfast supporter of the community, and a loyal friend to all.
Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
The family extends their sincere appreciation to Magnolia Assisted Living, Kanawha Valley Hospice, and all those who reached out to show care, concern, and love for their friend and pastor.
Private interment will held at the Beechtown Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Sand Run Baptist Church, with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beechtown Cemetery Association, c/o Lynn Helmick, 103 Scott Street, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Online condolences may be extended to the Butcher family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Butcher family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.
My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.
