Gordon "Butch" L. Carey

Gordon “Butch” Carey, 78, of Washington, passed away at 12:06pm Saturday February 6, 2016 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Butch was born February 11, 1937 in Bartonville to the late Henry and Minnie Mitzfield Carey. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Bright on July 16, 1955 in Peoria. She passed away February 7, 2016. Surviving are their sons, Steaven (Jani) Carey of East Peoria, Greg (Amy) Carey of East Peoria, and Tim (Colleen) Carey of Washington; grandchildren, Eric Fryman, Rachel Fryman, Matthew Carey, and Amy Carey; great-grandchildren, Christian Doling, Aiden Fryman, and Alec Pallardy; siblings, Betty (Mel) Hogan, Nyle (Fran) Carey, Lyle Carey, and Art (JoAnn) Carey; and a sister-in-law, Dolly Barber. He was preceded in death by three brothers, and three sisters-in-law. Butch graduated from Manual High School in 1955 and attended Bradley University. He served in the US Air Force from 1955-1959, stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. He was appointed to the Technical Instructors’ School, specializing in Electronic Countermeasures . After his discharge, Butch owned and operated an insurance agency in the Peoria area. Butch, also retired as a Journeyman Steamfitter from local 353 in Peoria. In 1982, he founded Butch’s Premium Pizza. He grew the company to what it is today and remained active until his retirement in 2010. He was passionate about sports all his life and officiated high school football and basketball for over 20 years. He was active in the Peoria Officials Association, was rules interpreter for many years and serving as President from 1973-1975 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1976. Butch was also a member of A.F. & A.M. Temple Lodge #0046 in Peoria for 47 years and Faith Lutheran Church in Washington. The family would like to thank the staff of OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, and the personal caregivers, Deb Anderson, Amy Taylor, and Sarah Hamilton for the loving care they all provided Butch and Barb. Visitation for Butch and his wife, Barb, will be from 10:00am-1:00pm Friday, February 12, 2016 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. Their funeral service will begin promptly at 1:00pm, following the visitation. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Pastor John Rothfusz will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TAPS or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

Gordon "Butch" L. Carey

February 11, 1937 - February 6, 2016