Obituary of Floren "Butch" W. Challender

Challender, Floren "Butch" Bay City, Michigan formerly of Sanford Floren "Butch" Challender passed away peacefully on August 3, 2019 at Mid-Michigan hospital in Midland, MI. Butch was born on February 7, 1938 in Charlotte, Michigan to the late Leland and Rosalie (Top) Challender. In 1956 Butch enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served as a machinist's mate and diver for 4 years. After leaving the Navy, Butch worked in Virginia for a while, before moving to Midland to work at Dow Chemical. He worked at Dow Chemical for 31 years, mostly in the powerhouse, retiring in 1995. Butch enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and was passionate about watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. Butch enjoyed playing modified and slow pitch softball and volunteered as a little league coach for his children. Butch loved animals and supported his children in 4H activities. Butch spent 21 years being a volunteer driver for Cancer Services of Midland County, logging over 200,000 miles. On November 9, 2002, Butch married Janet Hawes, who survives him. He is also survived by his 3 sons, Michael of Lorraine, Ohio, Jeffrey of Columbus, Ohio, and David of Lorraine, Ohio, 2 stepsons, Tony (Ronda) O'Deay of Freeland, Tim (Lori) Hawes of Bay City, and 3 step daughters, Carrie (Chris) Thomas of Florida, Angie (Tony) Box of Homer, AK, Stephanie (Terry) Downing of Caro, his brother Don (Sue) Challender of Charlotte, his sister Irene McKinney of Kentucky, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Butch was predeceased by his father Leland on July 23, 1999, his mother Rosalie on January 8, 2009, and a previous spouse Janet Peglow on December 2, 1993. At the request of Butch, cremation has taken place and there will be no services held. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Cancer Services, 400 Ashman Ste. 200, Midland, MI 48640.