Noble "Kent" Butler , age 87, of Rigdon, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 25, 1938, in Elwood, Kent was the proud son of Noble K. and Velma (Leavitt) Butler. A 1956 graduate of Summitville High School. Kent was the backbone of Butler Farms, working the land with skill and pride for a lifetime. He also provided for his family through 33 years of dedicated service as a fork truck driver at Guide Lamp, retiring in 1996. On September 7, 1990, Kent married Linda L. Swindell, his steadfast partner and best friend. Together they shared over 35 years, building a close-knit family grounded in love, support, and mutual respect. Kent was a rock for his family—a dependable husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who always put his loved ones first.  A man of community, Kent was a member of Rigdon United Methodist Church, U.A.W., Country Run-Abouts Snowmobile Club, and Moose Lodge, and served as president of the Lion's Club of Rigdon. He believed in giving back, supporting the Madison County 4-H Club, and passing down his hard-earned knowledge of cattle and farming to the next generation.  Kent was a talented handyman who could fix anything and always had a project or two in motion. He thrived on adventure, traveling and taking cruises with Linda and their family. But his true passion—besides his family—was the thrill of competitive tractor pulling. Kent was a fierce competitor, a member of the Darke County Tractor Pull Association and Frankton Tractor Pullers Association, building and maintaining his own tractors and winning countless events across many states.  Above all, Kent will be remembered as a strong, accomplished man who lived by his word, worked with his hands, and poured his heart into his family and community.

Kent is survived by his wife, Linda L. Butler of Rigdon; 7 children, Deborah (Steve) Dickey of Rigdon, Michele (Dennis) Wright of Fairmount, Tammy (Scott) Crull of Windfall, Leann Stowers of Summitville, Ronda Hines of Anderson, Ronald Hines of Elwood, and Robin Peek of Fairmount; brother, Robert Mark (Bryon) Butler of Chicago; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer (Rob) Kief, Jason (Sara) Dickey, Kari (Tyler) Boggess, Landon (Ava) Crull, Hollie (Adam) Gibson, Emily (Zach) Reid, Jered (Alexandra) Stowers, Kaitlyn Stowers, Brandon Hines, Cody Hines, Kassey Hines, and Owen Peek; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Kent is preceded in death by his parents; son, Randy Hines; aunt, Edith Butler; and 2 sons-in-law, Mike Stowers, and Terry Peek.

A funeral service honoring Kent's life will take place at 3:00 pm on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Rodney Ellis officiating.  Burial will follow the service in Knox Chapel Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 pm prior to the service on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County 4-H Club through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.