Donald Joe Butler “Donny” was born May 13, 1949 in Culver City, California, just before the family moved to Clayton, New Mexico, where he spent his childhood. He attended college for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1971 and serving a tour in Vietnam, where he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Air Medal, and a Bronze Star for his valor in combat. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
After the army, Donny worked in the grocery store business for several years and managed a Piggly Wiggly in El Paso, TX, where he perfected his Tex-Mex Spanish. He then moved back to Clayton to help with his aging parents and began his 30 year career as a rural route driver with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1981—what he called the best year of his life—Donny met the love of his life, Loretta Heringa. Two years later, their daughter Jami was born, followed soon after by their son Brett. When the children were young, he was a co-owner of the Eklund Hotel for five years where he enjoyed serving food, pouring drinks, and visiting with the customers. After his retirement, Donny and Loretta moved to Raton in 2010 to help her mother run the Cross Diamond Ranch.
Donny enjoyed good times with friends, listening to music, and relaxing on the beach in Mexico. He loved his grandchildren, his children, and wife with all his heart. He died at home, peacefully surrounded by his loving family and his dog.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Cecelia Butler, brothers Danny and David Butler. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Loretta Butler, daughter Jami Pohl and husband Doug, son Brett Butler and wife Emily, grandsons Cameron Pohl and Beau Butler, and sister Diana Hayslett and her children, Tonya Foreman and Todd Foreman.
A celebration of life will be held at K-bob’s Steakhouse in Raton on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. His ashes will be interred at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Angel Fire, New Mexico, in June (tentative).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Raton Humane Society at P.O. Box 1321, Raton, New Mexico 87740 or the veterans organization of your choice.
Arrangements for Donald J. Butler are entrusted to the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
