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April 29, 2008

David Stanley Butler

Athens-Funeral Services for David Stanley Butler, Senior Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Athens with Dr. Kyle Henderson and the Rev. Richard Palmer officiating.

Burial with full military honors are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

Mr. Butler died April 22 in Athens.

He was born on July 31, 1936 in Buena Vista, Tennessee to Landrum Stanley and Willie Mae Wood Butler. As a boy, David grew up on the farm in West Tennessee. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting with his dogs. David graduated from Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Air Force that same year.

David served his country proudly in the United States Air Force for 22 years. During his Air Force career he had two tours of duty in the United Kingdom and a tour in Thailand. Mr. Butler served as a military policeman throughout his Air Force career. He had the opportunity to work with military and civilian police forces including those in the U.K. and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police while stationed in North Dakota. During his tour of duty in Southeast Asia he was recognized as the “Top Cop.” Mr. Butler received numerous commendations and awards during his military service. He was recognized by all that he served under and served under him for his dedication and professionalism. Mr. Butler progressed up the NCO ranks during his tenure with the Air Force retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his 2nd tour in the United Kingdom he had the special privilege of playing on the Air Force football team.

After retiring in 1976, David moved to Athens and began working for Pioneer Machine and Tool Company which later sold to Bell Rubber Company. He retired as Plant Manager in 1991.

He was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Athens and formerly served as third grade Sunday School Director and fifth grade Sunday School Teacher.

David’s passion was to support and encourage his children, grandchildren and youth of all ages which he did so tirelessly working with 4-H, Baseball, Softball, Football and all other activities. He earned the title “Papa Bear” not only from his grandchildren but the many young people who grew to love and admire him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son David Chris Butler in 1964, and a mother-in-law, Louise Long in 2002.

Survivors include Gene his wife of 52 years, son, Joe Butler and wife Carmen, daughters, Cindy Smith and husband R.D., Kim Echols and husband Steve, Tina Furr and husband Guy, all of Athens, brother, Jimmy Butler, Bruceton, Tenn., father-in-law, Byrl Long, Athens, brother-in-law, Travis Long and wife Vivienne, Athens, grandchildren, Jennifer, Blake and Haley Butler; Katie, David Cody, Sarah, Anna and Mary Beth Smith; Jessica Kirksey, Lauren and Brittney Rogers, Kinnsey Echols; Alex and Preston Furr, great-grandson, Hunter Butler, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Pallbearers include Harry Hogue, Alton Rose, Cleve Garrard, Kim Rose, Joe McKenzie, Charles Prince.

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Doug Curran, Paul Whitaker, Steve Pryor, Johnny Giles, George Burton, Tom Swain.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. Doug Curran, Lakeland Medical Associates and East Texas Medical Center for their compassionate care during David’s last illness.

Family will receive condolence calls at Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home 6-8 p.m. Saturday. If desired memorials may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, Texas, 78761, American Diabetes Association, P O Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio, 44720 or a charity of choice.

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