1948-2026
Dennis Lee Butler, age 77, of Newkirk, Oklahoma, passed away on January 22, 2026 at Wesley Medical Center.
Celebration of life services will be held at 10 AM Friday January 30th, 2026 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Memorials in his name may be made to Kansas Honor Flight and left in the care of the funeral home.
Dennis was born to Maxine Roe in Blackwell, Oklahoma on May 19, 1948. He was the oldest of three brothers. He was a 1966 graduate of Newkirk High School. Dennis attended Northern Oklahoma College and Okmulgee Tech before enlisting in the United States Army in August of 1969. He served honorably during the Vietnam war completing Green Beret training and serving as an Army Ranger. Rangers Lead the Way and Dennis certainly followed that motto during his time in the military. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the achievement he was the most proud of, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
After his military service, Dennis was employed in several different industries. He retired from Smith International where he was a CNC machinist. Dennis enjoyed the mountains of Colorado and hills of North Dakota. He loved new vehicles, going to the casino and riding motorcycles, especially his Harley Davidson. Most recently in his life, he enjoyed spending time with his love, Donna. They tackled a lot of projects together, spent time attending family gatherings and going on Harley rides. Their days were full of laughs and good-natured fun.
Dennis is survived by his sweetheart, Donna Roe of Newkirk, his children, Jennifer (Justin) of Ark City, Amber (Zak) of South Haven, Amy (Sean) of Tulsa, Brian (Sarah) of Ponca City, Kari of Jenks and his brother Jim (Marsha) of Grenola. He is also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and numerous other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wayne Roe.
