David R. Butz, 64, of East Texas, died Feb. 26, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Mary E. (Ross) Butz and the late Richard H. Butz. Except for 4-1/2 years he lived in Florida, he mostly lived in Pennsylvania.

He went to East Penn School in East Texas and then to Emmaus High School, where he graduated in 1974.

He was active in sports, especially Little League Baseball, where he was the all-star pitcher.

At the age of 14, he went to work for Brookside Country Club and there he began his career as a chef. He went to work for Hotel Bethlehem, where he worked as a chef for 18 years and later went to the Minsi Trail Inn for many years until the restaurant closed. His last chef position was for a private hospital in Limeport.

He was an avid fisherman and bow and arrow hunter. He made many trips to Alaska and New Mexico. He did a lot of traveling with his parents and family to Bermuda, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Florida and many times to Hilton Head, S.C. His hobbies were drawing, painting and gardening.

He is survived by his mother; brothers, Richard (Jane), John (Kathy), Steve (Lynn), Michael (Molly); eight nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Allentown Rescue Mission or Special Olympics Lehigh County, c/o the funeral Home, P.O. Box 190, Breinigsville, 18031.

Arrangements were made by the Schmoyer Funeral Home, Breinigsville.