UPDATE 1:30 P.M. — State Representative Terri Bryant issued the following statement in regards to the passing of former Marion Mayor Bob Butler.

“To say Mayor Butler was a giant in the world of Southern Illinois politics would be an understatement,” Bryant said. “Bob Butler, or just ‘Mayor’, as so many fellow Southern Illinoisans knew him, was a tenacious and dedicated public servant. He gave so much of his life to bettering Marion, and because of his hard working during more than 50 years of service, the entire region is better off. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the people of Marion, and most especially to Mayor Butler’s friends and family on his passing today.”

MARION — Marion Mayor Anthony Rinella announced on the city’s Facebook page this morning that former Marion Mayor Bob Butler passed away around 9:30 this morning. He was 92.

Butler was Marion Mayor for 55 years and retired in January 2018.

We hope to bring you more details as soon as they are made available.