Harold Charles Butcher

Harold Butcher, 86, of Sandusky, Ohio passed away early Monday afternoon, December 10, 2018, at Stein Hospice Care Center with his wife Barbara, and sons, David and Greg, at his side.
Harold was born on October 14, 1932, in Webster Springs, WV, the son of Kermit and Florence (Westfall) Butcher.  Harold received his Bachelor’s Degree from Glenville State College.  He furthered his education by receiving his Master’s Degree from Kent State University.  Harold also completed post-graduate studies at Columbia University, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron.
Harold’s passion was education, serving 32 years as a teacher, elementary, middle and high school principal, and Superintendent of Schools in Champion, Ohio and Toronto, Ohio.  Additionally, Harold was superintendent of the Sandusky Perkins Local School District from 1973 to 1985.  He was also dedicated to public service and was elected to two terms as an Erie County Commissioner.  Later in life, he worked 8 years for the Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Agency (LCADA) as a Counselor/Case Manager, assisting individuals with addictions to obtain their GED and employment.
Harold strongly believed in community service as exemplified by membership on the YMCA Board of Directors and United Way Board of Directors, President of Big Brothers-Big Sisters and member of the Sandusky Rotary Club.  Harold was also a member of the Sandusky Elks, Kiwanis Club, Singara Grotto and American Legion Post 83. 
Harold was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Sandusky for 45 years until his death.  He was a previous Chairman of Trinity’s Administrative Board.
Harold received the Education Freedoms Foundation Award in Americanism from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  He was a proud member of the Perkins High School Hall of Fame.  Harold was also proud of several awards received from the LCADA including the 2007 Outstanding Staff Service Award, 2009 Employee of the Year, 2010 Northeast Ohio Advocacy for Recovery Award and 2010 Recovery Advocate Award.
Harold is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara (Shimer) Butcher, of Sandusky, Ohio, sons David (Linda) and Greg (Kathleen) of Pickerington, Ohio, daughter-in-law Joey Butcher, a special uncle, Dennis Westfall, of Belleview, Florida, ten beloved grandchildren, Brian (Whitney) Butcher, Jeff Butcher, Stacey (Michael) Straubel, Kaitlin (Pete) Cortese, Adam Butcher, Emily Butcher, Colton Butcher, Nick Butcher, Karli Butcher and Kassidy Butcher and 2 great-grandchildren, Brooks Butcher and Nolan Straubel.
Besides his parents, his son, Jeff, preceded Harold in death in 1999.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at St. John’s United Church, 2712 Mason Road, Milan, Ohio.  The family will receive guests from 9 am until 12 noon when the formal service will begin.  Pastors Wendy Schindler-Chasney and Mel Sayler will conduct the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio.   The family suggests contributions be made in Harold’s  memory to the Stein Hospice Care Center, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.  Memories and words of comfort can be shared at davidfkoch.com.
 

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