Obituary of John R. Buttz

Bedford Dr. John R. Buttz, 83, of 3110 Illinois Ave., Bedford, died at 9:58 pm on Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Hospitality House in Bedford. Born August 5, 1923 in Decatur, IL, he was the son of Charles Edward and Sadie Louise (Newton) Buttz. He married Elizabeth Louise Van Rheeden on May 30, 1942 and she survives. He was a graduate of Decatur High School in 1941. He graduated from Kent State University in 1954 with a Baccalaureate Degree. He received his Masters Degree in 1965 and his Doctors Degree in 1968 from Indiana University. Dr. Buttz came to Bedford in April of 1957 as the pastor of the First Church of God which was then located at 5th and P Streets. Following a disastrous fire the congregation built the new building where the congregation presently worships at 3131 W. 16th Street. Following a ten year pastorate, Dr. Buttz accepted a position with the Crane Naval Ammunition Depot as training director where he remained until 1970. He then was asked to serve the U.S. Postal Service as a specialist in organization improvements during the Postal Service reorganization period. In 1979 he was promoted to Director of the Office of Training and Development in Washington, D.C. where he remained until he retired in 1984. He spent three years as director of the Bedford Medical Center Foundation and then retired again to work part-time for Adams Engineering Associates. Dr. Buttz served in the Army during WW II in the China, Burma, India theatre. During the early years of his ministry he served pastorates in Illinois and Ohio. While pastor of the church in Bedford, he was active in the community serving on the Bedford School Board, the United Fund as well as being active in Rotary serving in all the chairs. Surviving with his wife, Elizabeth, are three sons, John R. Buttz and his wife, Carolyn; Charles E. Buttz and his wife, Mary Ann all of Bedford and James H. Buttz and his wife, Regina of Albuquerque, NM; six grandchildren, Shauna Dalton, Erin Lewis, Amy Glenn, Scott Buttz, Dana Tran and Tara Elliott; four great grandchildren, Macy Dalton, Sable Dalton, Connor Glenn and Alexa Tran; four step grandchildren, Jeremy Buck, Brandon Buck, Donnie Buck and Trisha Buck. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 15th at the First Baptist Church in Bedford with Rev. Floyd Brick and Dr. Kregg Burris officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, August 14th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside.