Another former ‘World’s Oldest Man’ titleholder validated
The Gerontology Research Group announces today the age validation of Donald Cleveland Butler.
Mr Butler was born August 21 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 December 25 1924 in Detroit. The couple had no known children. Donald was reportedly a member of Monetta Baptist Church and had worked for General Motor Corp. He passed away in Detroit on December 27 1998, aged 113 years, 128 days. Mr Butler was the oldest known living man in the world after the death of Christian Mortensen until his own death. His validation means he replaces Walter Richardson (1885-1998) on the progressive list of ‘World’s Oldest Living Man’ titleholders.
Donald 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 August 21 1882. In his obituary, it was claimed he was 115 at death, implying birth in 1883. In a delayed birth record made in 1943, he gave his year of birth as 1893.
Examining all the documents and evidence gathered, it was concluded that Donald was most likely born August 21 1885. This is supported by the 1900 US federal census, family tree reconstruction and other documents. He may have started understating his age to be able to serve in the Second World War – his registration card gives 1893 as his year of birth. Given his date of birth and death, this makes Donald the oldest known man living at the time.
