Robert Wesley ("Bob") Butts

Robert "Bob" Wesley Butts, 75, of Wheeling and Benwood, WV passed away on October 28, 2017, at Wheeling Hospital.  He was born on January 19, 1942, to the late Robert Alfred and Eva (Polus) Butts. He was preceded in death by his son, John Richard Butts.

Bob graduated from Benwood Union High School and played college football at Ohio State University. He was on Coach Woody Hayes’ undefeated 1961 team which the Football Writers named National Champions. Bob also played professional football with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and the Wheeling Ironmen.  In 1996, Bob was inducted into the American Football Association Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As the 2003 Vice President  and 2004-2009 President of the Pittsburgh Chapter NFL Players Association, Bob proudly and happily served.

His teaching career spanned many years and positively influenced many students and peers at Cadiz, Woodsfield, Union Local and St. Clairsville high schools. At Shadyside High School, Bob transitioned to administration as the Vice Principal; later, as the Principal of Union Local High School. His career also included the Superintendent of Schools for the Union Local School District. Following his retirement from that position, he was hired as principal at St. Joseph Central Elementary School in Bridgeport. After his second retirement,  due to his love and dedication  to education, Bob worked at Belmont County Education Service Center. He completed his education career as Principal for the Union Local Middle School.  Bob also enjoyed part time work at Oglebay Park for 41 years.

He is survived by his wife of 54 1/2 years Joyce (Yandora) Butts, four children Robert Jr. (Jennifer) Butts of Dallas TX., Darleen Butts of Rayland, Ronald (Tina) Butts of Wheeling and Douglas (Jill) Butts of St. Clairsville, nine grandchildren Robert W. Butts III, Chelsea (Robert) Ramirez, John Butts, Kerrianne (Richard) Heatherington, Hannah Butts, Michael Butts, Ronan Butts, D. J. Butts and Leah Butts, five great grandchildren Kole Butts, Sam Ramirez, Coraline Ramirez, Aeralyn Butts, and Paisleigh Butts, one sister Sandra (Butts) Klingenmier.

Friends will be received at the Vineyard Church 647 Warden Run Rd. Wheeling, WV on Thursday November 2, 2017, from 2 P.M. until the service at 7:30 pm with Pastor Chris Figaretti officiating.  Schuetz Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the Wheelchair program can be made through Vinyard Church. Please note “In Memory of Bob Butts” on your donation.