William Butler

William W. Butler

A memorial service and celebration of life for Bill Butler will
be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Thursday, April
13 at 1 pm. Bill slipped his mortal bonds peacefully with fam
ily by his side at Life Care Center on April 7th.
He was born in Serene, Colorado on August 9, 1924 to John
and Laura Butler. He attended St. John's Parochial School
where he as a star in both the athletic and academic programs.
He was the quarterback when his team won the Colorado State
Parochial Football Championship in 1936. He earned 11 letters
in four sports and was awarded highest academic honors and
a scholarship to Regis High School from which he graduated
in 1942. He entered Colorado School of Mines for one year before enlisting in the Navy Air Corps where he became a pilot and was scheduled to ship out on an aircraft carrier when the war ended.

He graduated from CSM in 1948 in Petroleum Engineering. He still holds the Rocky Mountain collegiate baseball batting average of .543. He was a member of ATO, Blue Key Honor and Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity. Upon graduation he accepted a position with Ohio Oil Company. He met Gloria Butler on the golf course and married her on Feb. 14, 1953. He later formed Allen & Butler Consulting Firm, In 1963, inbrder to spend more time with his family, he joined Walt Forbes Insurance Company. In 1979 he returned to oil field activities.
Golf was always his favorite sport and he won many city, state and Casper Country Club championships. He was a natural athlete and enjoyed bowling, tennis, skiing, hunting, fishing and coaching his son's football teams at St. Anthony's School. He even joined Gloria in her favorite hobby and sat a horse like a pro.

His community involvement included being on the City Council for four year, a board member of Community Recreation, Casper Country Club, St. Anthony's Manor, Rotary and American Bank. He was a lifelong Republican and was active at every level from precinct committee man to State Delegate. He was county chairman for many state and national campaigns.
Even though he had Alzheimer's he chose to enjoy life and his family and friend as long as possible. The last three years had become a challenge for him and a vigil for the family but how blessed we all were having him in our lives for so long.

A highlight in his life and one he remembered best was golfing at St. Andrews in Scotland in 1982. He loved recounting stories of that along with other favorites of Pebble Beach and Old Baldy. Bill was truly unique, as
was his sense of humor. His attributes were many; a caring son, brother,
loving husband, proud father, honored granddad, respected citizen, good and trusted friend and above all, a man of God.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas, son Brian, grandson Reid and great grandson Jacob. He survived by his wife of 53 years, six children, Sue (Larry) Lyster, Brad (Wendy) Butler, Jodell (Steve) Simons, Laura Burback, Helen (Andy) Ellis, Valerie (Matt) Fleming, 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Tri-Parish School, Holy Cross Center or Alzheimer's Association.