Chesley "Butch" Adelbert Northrop Jr.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Virginia Hargett and Chesley “Chet” Northrop Sr.,

Butch grew up with three sisters—Norma, Doll, and his twin, Cheslene. He graduated from Phoenix Technical School and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the Airborne Battle Group, 327th Infantry at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was a Light Weapons Infantryman and a Paratrooper, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959.

In 1963, Butch married Barbara Templeton, beginning a 56-year partnership built on deep love, mutual respect, and shared adventures. Their life together was filled with love, a little bit of travel—road trips to Alaska, California, and Colorado, dancing with square dance clubs, and memorable visits to Hawaii and Seattle. Butch’s devotion to Barbara was evident in everything he did. Even after her passing, her presence remained a guiding force in his life.

Butch was a talented and detail-oriented machinist who spent much of his career at Northrop Tool & Die, the family business in Phoenix. In retirement, he continued to work out of his home shop—designing, building, and repairing projects for neighbors, friends, and family. He might make a custom part or a clever tool, sometimes, it might be a homemade candle. His creativity and mechanical skill were matched only by his willingness to lend them to help others.

Butch had a curious and adventurous nature. He enjoyed baking, he loved trains, valued hard work, enjoyed simple pleasures and found joy in sharing what he had and what he could make. He stayed in touch with his extended family members and visited them at reunions and other family gatherings.

Even in his later years, after the loss of his wife, Butch remained dedicated to his craft and to his family. He worked in his shop every day with his shop dog named Nutmeg. His shop became a place of purpose and connection—where he could tinker, create, and continue giving to those he cared about. He adventured by saying "yes!" and traveled further with family to Europe, Idaho, Florida, California and Alaska.

He is survived by his seven children, fifteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his twin sister Cheslene, and one of his sons.

Butch will be remembered for his steady presence, his generous heart, and his love for family. His life was a quiet testament to craftsmanship, commitment, and care—and he leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on July 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, Arizona. The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A graveside service will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on the same day with military honors.