Stephen D. Butts

Mr. Stephen D. Butts, 82, of Scott Road, Homer, passed away on May 12, 2025.

Mr. Butts was born April 16, 1943, a son of the late George and Margaret Davis Butts. He was a graduate of Homer High School and Cornell’s Agriculture and Life Sciences School.

Following college, Steve pursued his dream of becoming a dairy farmer and continued living that dream for his entire life while residing at his home on the farm. Steve, “Wilbur”, started working on Wilbur Forbes’s dairy farm in 1962. He purchased 10 registered Holsteins from Mr. Forbes in 1964 to start his own herd, and purchased the farm from the Forbes Family in 1972. His son, Chad, joined the business in 2000, and they expanded to form Willow Breeze Farm.

Steve valued the agricultural community and history of Homer Grange Hall #834. In his later years, he enjoyed sharing his lifelong knowledge of the region with the many visitors to the sweet corn and pumpkin stand. He became the “ambassador” for Cortland County and all the beauty and tranquility that it offers.

As an avid outdoorsman, Steve enjoyed deer hunting, turkey hunting and pheasant hunting. He enjoyed fishing with friends on Skaneateles Lake, Lake Ontario and especially with his grandkids at the pond on the farm. Steve was instrumental in the inception of Quality Deer Management in his surrounding area and treasured the beautiful view of wildlife from his front porch. He frequently would say, “I have the best view in the world from my front porch and why would I want to live anywhere else?”

Steve served on the board at Atwater Cemetery for several years and was a commissioner for the Town of Homer Fire Department District. Steve enjoyed gatherings with friends and family at his camp on Skaneateles Lake. He was a longtime Syracuse Basketball fan and season ticket holder starting with the opening of the Dome in 1980.

Steve shared his lifelong passions, interests and knowledge with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Introducing them to nature, sports and the appreciation of the surroundings helped instill the same passion and knowledge into them.

Surviving are his children, Kelly (Jody) Crawford of Tully and Chad (Kimberly) Butts of Homer; four grandchildren, Ashleigh and Joe Crawford and Elyse and Evan Butts; a brother, Greg (Ann) Butts of Little Rock, AR; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Steve cherished his lifelong relationships with the Hill and Payne families.

Steve was predeceased by his wife, Karen Hill Butts, in 1989.

In keeping with Steve’s wishes, services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Homer Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Homer, NY 13077.

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