Zachery Tyler Butner

Zachery Tyler Butner, age 28, of Columbus, Ohio died December 16, 2022. He was born October 12, 1994, in Independence MO, son of Roy Franklin Sr. and Bonnie Jean Hemphill Butner. He received his high school diploma from Oskaloosa High School and currently attended Columbus College of Art and Design. He was preceded in death by his older brother Ryan Lee Butner. Zack is survived by his partner Duc Nguyen; his parents Roy and Bonnie Butner of Oskaloosa; seven brothers, Corey (Suki) Butner, Auburn, KS., Nicklas (Ciearrah) VanHoozier, Kansas City, KS., Seth (Chaylin) Butner, Ozawkie, KS., Erik (Rachel) VanHoozier, Tecumseh, KS., Roy Butner, Jr, Linwood, KS., Troy Butner, Lawrence, KS and Waylon Lesher, Oskaloosa, KS., and one sister Kathleen Wendleton, of Missouri.

Zach had an insatiable appetite to always ‘do more.’ At the age of 18, he set his sights on Southern California to jumpstart his education and life as an adult. Armed with a dream and a ‘never give up’ attitude, Zach was determined to live his best life under the blue skies and palm tree lined streets of Southern California.

He received his Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Art Institute, and an Associate degree in Fashion Design, along with five certifications related to Apparel Construction and Production from Orange Coast College. His passion and determination secured him a unique opportunity as the Design Assistant to work on bespoke dresses that were inspired from Judy Garland’s most recognized dresses. These were part of the esteemed Hollywood launch of the Judy Garland fragrance, later displayed at the Empire State Building during pride month, celebrating Judy Garland’s 100th birthday.

Zach loved all things in life related to water. He loved having the ability to swim day or night, winter, or summer, or just because it was a Tuesday afternoon, and he had the time and opportunity to just enjoy it. His affection of the ocean and tide pools included marine life, leading him to become a saltwater aquarium enthusiast. He spent endless hours staring at his slice of the ocean just yards away from his bedroom.

While in California, Zach made countless friends and lifelong relationships, including becoming intertwined with his partner’s family. Zach adored being an uncle who would teach his nieces and nephews how to play (and inevitably lose to Uncle Zach) new games.  There were countless weekends and holidays of Mario Kart, Bomberman and Super Mario Party.  Extended family especially loved visiting on the weekends, as there was always food, fun and something new that Zach was working on for the house or the aquarium.

The travel bug bit Zach while he was in California.  He loved random trips to Wine Country, which became one of Zach’s favorite destinations. During his life, Zach was able to travel from coast to coast and a few points in between.  He was able to see the Golden Gate Bridge from high above on the Marin side of the Bay, to the stand in the belly of White Sands New Mexico, and all the way to the New York City!  But a true high light of his life was to be able to travel to Vietnam, India and Dubia.  His excitement of being abroad and experiencing new adventures made his aura and smile shine like the sun at high noon.  Never, in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would be standing on the beach in India, at sunset to witness a friend’s wedding, and yet there he was.  As the world was reopening for international travel again, he was eager to travel to Europe and back to Southeast Asia.

Zach’s growing ambition pointed him toward Columbus, Ohio to embark on a new adventure where Zach enrolled in the Industrial Design program at Columbus College of Art and Design. He and Duc settled into their dream house with plans to turn it into their dream home. Zach spent time learning how to be a homeowner and chef extraordinaire. His love of new food and wine was no secret; there was no limit to what he was willing to eat or drink at least once.  Zach loved to learn and improve things. He was truly destined for greatness and his enduring strength will forever be an inspiration to those who loved him. Zach was young, but he left an indelible mark on anyone who met him. His smile will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the:   Zachery Butner Memorial Fund at Mutual Savings Bank of Oskaloosa.      

The fund will help aspiring Art enthusiasts to further their dreams.

A celebration of Life Ceremony for Zach will be held:

Sunday March 12, 2023, from 2-4 pm CST at: Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 East 6^th St., Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Zoom link will be active from 1-5 pm CST.  

https://ucla.zoom.us/j/92006960281

http://bit.ly/3HdyCKT

Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High St., Columbus, OH. 43207.  To leave an online condolence please visit Zach’s tribute page at www.graumlichfuneralhome.com