| Donald Butler | |
| Birth: | 21 August 1885 Saluda County, South Carolina, USA |
| Death: | 27 December 1998 Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Age: | 113 years, 128 days |
| Country: |  USA
|
| Validated | |
Donald Butler (21 August 1885 – 27 December 1998) was an American supercentenarian whose age is validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). At the time of his death, he was the world's oldest validated living man.
Biography[]
Donald Butler was born on 21 August 1885 in Saluda County, South Carolina, USA to Frank and Nancy (nee Body) Butler and had at least eight siblings. For a time, he lived in Georgia, before moving to Detroit, Michigan, where he would stay until his passing. He married twice, the second time to Rachel Thompson who was around twenty years younger than him. They married on 25 December 1924 in Detroit. The couple had no known children. Butler was reportedly a member of Monetta Baptist Church and had worked for General Motor Corp.
Following the death of 115-year-old Christian Mortensen on 25 April 1998, Butler became the oldest validated living man.
Donald Butler died in Detroit, Michigan, USA on 27 December 1998 at the age of 113 years, 128 days.
Age Validation[]
Butler claimed many years of birth during his life, although the month and day appear to have been consistent. For instance, in registering for service in the First World War, he gave his date of birth as 21 August 1882. In his obituary, it was claimed that he was 115 at his death, implying a birthyear of 1883. In a delayed birth record made in 1943, he gave his year of birth as 1893.
Examining all the documents and evidence gathered, the GRG concluded that Donald was most likely born on 21 August 1885. This is supported by the 1900 US federal census, family tree reconstruction and other documents. He likely started understating his age to be able to serve in the Second World War – his registration card gives 1893 as his year of birth.
References[]
- Another former ‘World’s Oldest Man’ titleholder validated Gerontology Research Group