Derek George Butler (25 Apr 1949 - 22 May 2025)
Funeral Director
In loving memory of Derek George Butler who sadly passed away on 22nd May 2025, aged 76 years.
Derek was a dedicated public servant, community volunteer, and beloved family man, devoted to his wife Mary. He represented Boxley Ward on Maidstone Borough Council from 2002 to 2018 and was honoured to serve as Mayor of Maidstone in 2016.
In 2015, Derek was nominated by Maidstone Borough Council to join the Rochester Bridge Trust. He was elected Junior Warden in 2021 and went on to serve as Senior Warden from May 2023 until his passing in May 2025.
Beyond his official roles, Derek was passionate about supporting others. He was actively involved in several charities and volunteered as a Maidstone Street Pastor, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support alongside police and paramedics during Saturday night patrols in the town centre.
Born in Lewisham, Derek moved to the Medway Towns in 1973 and settled in Maidstone in 1984. His professional life included roles at The National Coal Board in both the Medical Services and Treasurers Department, followed by positions at The City of London Magistrates Court and later Bromley Magistrates Court, where he worked until his retirement in 2014.
Derek will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his community, his kindness, and his integrity.
Donations in Derek's memory would be gratefully received for the Maidstone Sea Cadets or the Maidstone Street Pastors. Details below:
Maidstone Sea Cadets: Account Name: Maidstone Unit 229 of the Sea Cadet Corps t/a TS Scott Sort Code: 30-54-66. Account Number: 12336060 reference: DButler
Maidstone Street Pastors: Account name: Maidstone Street Pastors Sort code: 23-05-80 Account number: 37255442 reference: DButler
Flowers may be sent c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, 25 New Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4QJ for 4pm, Tuesday 24th June.
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Thoughts are with you at this time ❤️ 🙏
Take care and lots of love ❤️
Gloria and the Procter family xxxx
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On my first day of work at Bromley Magistrates Court I was told 'Linda you've come to a very stressful place to work' but luckily there were lots of kind people there and the brightest ray of sunshine was Derek. Derek was 'old school' - he liked to do the job properly and took time to help his colleagues and the public. Under the new regime speed was prioritised above diligence and good customer service but this did not fit into Derek's ethics! When the boss challenged him for helping a distressed member of the public Derek would smile politely, but carry on the same. Always mischievous, when stress levels were rising in the office Derek would giggle and break into song "there could be trouble ahead..."
His stationery drawer was always full of chocolate.
Derek made the world a happier place.
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Linda, thank you for sharing. That's a lovely story and made me laugh that he always had a stash of chocolate on the go!
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Sadly missed by us all. Rest in Peace Derek x
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I was so sadden to hear of Derek's passing, he was a very good friend and Councellor for Maidstone and Boxley, also a outstanding Mayor for Maidstone, RIP Derek a true gentleman. Patrick Sullivan.
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I was shocked and saddened to hear of Derek's untimely passing. The world would be a better place with more people like him.
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I had the privilege of having Derek in my team of Street Pastors and he was a great blessing. You are greatly missed, but yiu have returned to your heavenly home.
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Thanks Derek. Your commitment and dedication to Maidstone was wonderful, I truly value all you did for us. I'll miss our conversations about Ireland. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
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Thanks Derek. Your commitment and dedication to Maidstone was wonderful, I truly value all you did for us. I'll miss our conversations about Ireland. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Derek at His Mayor Making Day
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