DeWayne "Butch" Lee Doctor

DeWayne Lee “Butch” Doctor, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away Saturday afternoon, May 31, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.

He was born February 28, 1943 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Raymond and Hazel (Roemer) Doctor. He was united in marriage to Judith L. Selking on April 27, 1968 at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen.

Butch served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged with the rank of SP5.

He was a lifetime member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest in Fort Wayne, where he served the church in various capacities. He was a six-year board member of the Allen County Farm Service Agency.

Butch graduated from New Haven High School in 1961 and was a lifelong farmer.

Along with his wife, they were foster parents for 11 years with Lutheran Social Services. He enjoyed playing cards, NASCAR racing and watching Purdue sports.

He is survived by his daughter, Krista (Michael) Esslinger of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Sarah Doctor of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Sharon (Stan) Palmer of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother-in-law, Lloyd Bickel of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and five grandchildren, Cora Doctor, Keegan Esslinger, Bladen (Arianna) Esslinger, Mishaila Esslinger, and Treyson Esslinger.

In addition to his parents, DeWayne was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Doctor on May 19, 2013;son, Brent Doctor on November 12, 2022; and sister, Karen Bickel.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest with Pastor Josef Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Soest with Military Graveside Honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest and from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. prior to the service on Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest; Worship Anew; or Lutheran Social Services.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana.