Michael Butman
July 30, 1956 — October 5, 2025
Michael H. Butman died peacefully on October 6, 2025, after an extended period of declining health. He has joined his Lord and savior Jesus Christ in heaven this day.
Michael was born in Laconia, NH on July 30, 1956, the son of the late Loren P. Butman Sr. and Joan R. (Brown). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandfather Paul Butman, brother (Chandler), sister (Kathy), and granddaughter (Rhianna).
Michael graduated from Laconia High School in 1974, then enlisted the United States Coast Guard; serving from April 1975 to April 1982.
Michael served on the following cutters or stations: USCGC Sassafras in Cape May, NJ, Atlantic Beach Station, Atlantic Beach, NY, Patrol Boat Pt Bonita, Falmouth, MA and Newberryport Station, Newberryport, MA. Although Michael 's primarily job was Substance Specialist (cook), as many Coast Guardians can attest to, you wear many hats while serving in a small Service.
After serving 7 years, Michael was honorably discharged in April 1982 and moved to Tampa, FL. There he served as assistant manager at Brewmaster Steak House, Tampa, FL. Unfortunately, Michael, as a passenger, was an involved in a severe car accident on July 19, 1983. He was paralyzed from this accident. During his 5 months of rehabilitation, Michael's life was changed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Spinal Cord Injury (VA-SCI). The VA assisted him in gaining employment as a processing technician. With the aid of the GI bill Michael received an associate degree in Accounting, then secured a job at Mac Dill AFB. After a couple years he transferred to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, where he worked as an accounting
technician. In 1990-1991, He began training to become a Service Officer for Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). At PVA, he began assisting hospitalized veterans in getting compensation benefits to which they were entitled. He was blessed to be around Senior PVA officers who encouraged him to apply into the VA Prothetic Representative Program. In 1991, he was accepted into the program and upon graduation was assigned to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, where he started their first Prosthetic Program in 1992, where he continued to work until his retirement in July 2012.
Michael enjoyed working with staff and helping Veterans at work.
He loved God and Jesus Christ and the members of Trinity Lighthouse Holiness Church.
Michael is survived by his wife Deborah K. Butman, daughters Katherine (Keith)Treadwell of Center Barnstead, NH, Stacey Butman of Laconia, NH, grandson Ryan, great granddaughter Rosalyn, stepsons Brandon, Nicholas, and Zachariah Hiles and grandsons Cirdan and Finley Hiles.
A Celebration of Michael's life will be held at Haller Funeral Home, 1661 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The calling hours will be 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Mid-Ohio Food Collective.