Edwin Park Butler, Jr., 74, died peacefully in his home in the countryside of Indianola on August 11, 2025. His beloved wife of 50 years, Derry, was by his side, comforting him.

Ed was born on March 31, 1951 to Edwin and Virginia Butler, of Indianola, Iowa. He had three siblings and graduated from Indianola High School in 1969. He spent a year studying at Northeast State University before returning to his hometown. Ed worked in various jobs, including roofing and owning a gas station, which is where he met his wife, Derry (Hastie) Butler. They married on August 9, 1975 and raised four children together.

Ed worked for 30 years at Anderson Erickson Dairy in Des Moines, Iowa. While there, he also advocated for benefits and worker rights for his fellow employees. Even after retirement, he often returned to visit the friends he made there over the years. In his spare time, he trained bird dogs and owned Mid-Iowa Kennels with his wife. He was active with the local Ducks Unlimited and Pheasant Forever chapters.

As an avid outdoorsman, Ed enjoyed fishing, hunting, looking for morels when in season, or simply sitting outside, passing time talking with friends. He got just as much pleasure watching his loved ones reel in a big fish as catching them himself. He would often leave morels in the ground, only to bring his children back to the spot to let them find them. He proudly admitted that his wife was a better fisherman than he was. Ed was also generous with his friends. He loved hosting fish fries and game feeds. He remembered the preferences of his friends and would try his best to ensure their favorite beverages and foods were provided. Ed enjoyed riding his ATV down the country road, checking on his neighbors and always ready for a conversation.

When not outdoors, Ed liked watching westerns, Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, and, in recent years, Indiana Fever games. He loved having his children and grandchildren over to celebrate events and holidays.

Ed is survived by his wife, Derry, his sons Earl (Allisha) and Joe (Katie), his daughters Julie (Paul), and Amy (Todd), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Edena (Butler) White, and brother, Paul Butler. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Butler and his sister, Judy (Butler) Lane.

Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola, with burial following in the IOOF Cemetery in Indianola. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 18, 2025 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, where family will be present to greet friends. Reciting of the Rosary will begin 7 p.m., following visitation. Memorials may be made in Edwin's memory to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or Warren County Pheasants Forever.