Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home
Panama City, FL
Ernie Butler passed away on February 1, 2010, at Anderson, SC, surrounded by his loving family. Ernest Chesley Butler was born to Frederick and Sarah Duffett Butler in Conneaut, Ohio, on May 9, 1929. In 1940, the family moved to Detroit, MI. Ernie attended Ford Trade School and graduated in 1947. In August 1947, he joined the Army Air Corps where he was an airborne radio operator on B-29’s, B-36’s, B-50’s, C-54’s, C-124’s, and C-47’s. He flew to nearly every state and many countries in the many years he was on flying status.
In 1955, he retrained to work on the fire control system of the F-102, which he did until he retired in August of 1973.
Ernie worked as a television technician at Midway Electronics in Callaway and, in 1979, he began to work for RCA at Tyndall Air Force Base as a technician on subscale drones. He retired in 1992.
He married Jean McFall in August 1950 in Rapid City, S.D. They have four children, Susan Walther (Wayne) of Anderson, S.C., Cynthia Laramore (James) of Crestview, Fla., Brian Butler, M.D., of Tampa, Fla., and Beth Schultz (Paul) of Anderson, S.C. He had 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Sarah Butler; a brother, Fred Butler; and a sister, Margaret Hoffman.
Ernie is remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his love of golf. He is remembered by his "Ship-Captain-Crew" mates at Am Vets Post 2298 of Callaway, FL, where he was a lifetime member. He was also a 50 year member of the Masonic Order and a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2403 Harrison Ave., Panama City, Fla., with the Rev. Virgil Tillman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ernie's memory to Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Captain Toby, WWR Coordinator
Feb. 28, 2010
Warriors Watch Riders were honorably requested by the family to stand in honor of MSgt Ernest C. Butler, USAF (ret.) for his service to our nation. Prior to standing our flagline, we were asked to play TAPS by Mrs. Butler and other family members. At the request of the family, arrangements were made and we accomodated.
Fourteen WWR members attended the Memorial Service for Ernie. Thank you Jack McDougall for doing a great job with assistance by Joe Walsh. We stood our flagline prior to the service and reformed after for TAPS and the tolling of the bell.
After the service, we were invited to attend a celebration of Ernie's life at the AMVETS, Post 2298, where Ernie was a charter member.
Thank you to all WWR members that attended to pay our honors.
[Unable to attach video as it is too large. It can be viewed on YouTube under WWR/NWF Ernest Butler.]
