Samuel Butler

Samuel M. Butler

LT. COL Ret. Samuel M. Butler, USAF, answered his first roll call in the mansions of the Lord on Thursday 29 November 2018.  His life’s journey began on 28 November 1932 in Sewickley, Pa the son of the late Joseph and Alice (Kearns) Butler. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Benner (Butler).  Graduating from Coraopolis High School and his beloved Penn State University, Sam launched on a lifetime of service to his nation and the communities in which he lived.  He retired from the US Air Force in 1975 after 21 years of dedicated service to our country. For his service in Vietnam he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and served as one of the Air Force’s first crewman to initiate the C-5A Galaxy Program.

Sam was a devoted husband and father.  He and his late wife, Sharon, were deeply involved in the lives of their 8 children.  Together, they served in countless supporting roles; as scout leaders in their kids’ Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Brownie programs; as coaches and board members of their children’s sports leagues, and as guides, mentors and examples for life.

Sam’s legacy of service to his local community was that of an energetic, committed, tireless worker and advocate.  Whether it was serving as a campaign worker for local political  campaigns, service on the Independence Township Parks and Rec Board, President of the Penn-Ohio Newfoundland Club,  Black Paws Search and Rescue Team, the Independence Township Celebration Committee, Newfoundland Rescue Program, Newfoundland Working Dog Judge, or just being a friend to everyone he met, Sam could always be counted on to be there with a helping hand, and joyful positive outlook on life. 

He will always be with us as he passes on the mantle of carrying on his legacy of service and friendship to his wife, Joyce Echon-Butler, his 8 children (Samuel Butler and his wife, Rosemarie of Carlisle, PA; William Butler and his wife, Ruth of Lansing, KS; Gary Butler and his wife, Bernadette of The Villages, FL;  Jerry Butler and his wife, Lori of The Villages, FL; Michael Butler and his wife Cindy of Havre de Grace, MD; Jeff Butler of The Villages, FL, Bob Butler of Palm Springs, CA and Jodi Butler of Pittsburgh, PA;  19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way.  He will always be loved and deeply missed.

Job Well Done – Life Well Lived – Be at Peace, Sam Butler.

If desired, donations may be made to either the Newfoundland Club of America Rescue or Disabled American Veterans.  At Sam’s request, a huge blowout party will be held for family, friends and all who knew and worked with Sam on the 6th of July 2019.