Willis "Butch" McElroy (74) of Cowden

Willis “Butch” McElroy, loving father and grandfather, passed away at 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Butch was born on July 2, 1947, in Cowden, the son of Paul and Jessie (Randall) McElroy. He was a 1965 graduate of Cowden-Herrick High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for many years and owned and operated the Route 128 Cafe until his retirement. Butch enjoyed watching all sports, but especially the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with all his family members.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Troy) Wade of Shelbyville; grandchildren: Alexis (Andrew) Lellig of Davenport, IA, Garrett Wade and Mia Wade, both of Shelbyville; sisters-in-law: Nancy Switzer of Cowden, Joyce McElroy of Beecher City, Joanne McElroy of Cowden, Bobbi Switzer of Tulsa, OK and Theresa Settle of Virden; brother-in-law, Dean Giles of Beecher City; special nephew, Terry (Vicki) McElroy of Beecher City and many more nieces and nephews.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Jessie McElroy; brothers: Keith Switzer, Marty Switzer, Donnie McElroy and Terry McElroy; sister, Sandra Giles and great-nephew, Wyatt Giles.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Pastor Don “Satch” Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Mound Cemetery in rural Cowden with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made in Butch’s name to the Cowden First Responders and mailed to 302 W. Main Street, Shelbyville, IL 62565.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Butch’s name by clicking here.