Donald Gene Butte, who worked for 40 years as the controller for Fasig-Tipton, died March 7 at his home in Florida after battling with gastric cancer for more than a year. He was 75.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky and a certified public accountant, Butte led Fasig-Tipton's accounting and financial operations. He worked with buyers and sellers from around the world, handling transactions for some of the most expensive racehorses ever sold.
Central Kentucky horsemen and horsewomen remembered Butte for his expertise, integrity, humility, and the calm professionalism he brought to every sale. He was the face of the sales office with a devoted long-time staff that focused on providing exceptional service to everyone.
"Don was a very valuable member of our team for many years," said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning Jr. "He was a calm and intellectual person who approached everything with professionalism. But more important than being a good employee, he was just a fine human being."
Butte's wife, Mary, and daughter, Katie, often traveled with him to the East Coast sales. Katie began working in the Saratoga Springs, N.Y., office when she was 7, handing out catalogs and pens. Father and daughter built a cherished tradition of having lunch at the snack bar while debating which horse would be the sales topper. He retired in 2021, after he and Mary moved to Southwest Florida in 2019 to be near the beaches—Sanibel and Captiva—he loved so much.
Born Dec. 9, 1950, to the late Clark and Mildred Phelps Butte, Don grew up in Eubank, Ky., where he enjoyed what he often described as an idyllic childhood. He spent his days roller skating, riding his bike, and hanging out at his grandfather's Ford dealership—where he first discovered the joy of numbers while playing with the adding machines. Family members recalled that even as a boy, Butte displayed a quiet steadiness and a spark of curiosity that shaped who he would become later in life.
Music was one of Butte's earliest gifts. At 12, he began playing the piano and organ at Eubank Baptist Church and then for 25 years, filled the sanctuary of Chevy Chase Baptist Church with music. Butte often said he felt closest to God when his hands were on the keys.
The Buttes shared a life of adventure, as well. They traveled throughout Europe and made more than 50 trips to Disney World with Katie. One of their favorite traditions was an annual Pigeon Forge Christmas vacation with family that included a much-anticipated dinner at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen.
Mary remembered him as soft-spoken but with a quick wit that left people laughing long after he landed a "zinger." She said laughter helped them through many difficult situations and helped keep things in perspective.
Butte is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lou Lee-Butte; their daughter, Sarah Kathryn (Katie) Butte; and his loyal canine companions, Schnitzel and Noodle. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Butler, and his wife, Anne; by nieces and nephews; and by a large extended family on Mary's side who embraced him as their own.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Chuck Kemp Saturday, March 28, at Clintonville Christian Church, 141 Austerlitz Road, Paris, Ky. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served afterward.
Those wishing to honor Butte's memory may do so with a gift to Clintonville Christian Church, 141 Austerlitz Road, or Paris Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 6 Legion Road, Paris, 40361.
