Patrick A. "Butch" Pearson, 66, of Bluffton, passed away Thursday evening, Feb. 8, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Butch was born on Oct. 29, 1951, in Huntington, to Edwin L. and Donna L. (Dysert) Pearson; his mother survives in Celina, OH.  He married Cathy S. Gard in Bluffton on Dec. 26, 1981; she survives.

Butch retired after 40 years as a Telecommunications Design Engineer specializing in Outside Plant Communication, for various telecommunication companies.  He was also the founder and owner of First Tel Communications in Bluffton.  He enjoyed fishing, cooking, watching movies, dogs, mushroom hunting, and reading.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and mother, Butch is survived by two sons, Patrick (Pam) Pearson of Bluffton, and Zachary (Kylee) Pearson of Whitestown, IN; a daughter, Lynne (Jeff) Lee of Dayton, OH; seven grandchildren, Cooper, Averie, and Greyson Pearson, Liam Pearson, and Colton, Keira, and Carly Bingham; two brothers, Rick L. (Toni) Pearson of LaOtto, and Ralph E. (Karen) Pearson of Bluffton; and two sisters, Pamela and Donna Pearson, both of Celina, OH.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Private family services are being held.  Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton Wesleyan Chapel or Wesleyan Heritage Academy.