Donald Eugene Butler

Donald Eugene Butler was born on March 7, 1935 on a farm outside of Buffalo, Oklahoma to William Emmett Butler and Loma Lee (Headding) Butler. Don came to Washington State at an early age and had lived in Yakima most of his life before moving to Federal Way in July of this year.

After an extended hospital stay at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma, Don went to his heavenly home on September 27th, 2013 at the age of 78 years at Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, WA, peacefully and with family by his side.

Don graduated from Yakima High School in 1953. While in high school, music was a big part of his life. He played the string bass both in the orchestra and in big band & jazz ensembles and was honored with a selection into the All Northwest High School Orchestra. Music continued to be a big part of his life and he played in various groups from time to time and loved to listen to a wide variety of music; especially classical music.

After high school, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the Signal School at Fort Monmouth, NJ where he was trained in field radio operation and repair. Don served in the U. S. Army from 1953 to 1956 and did a tour in Korea. Upon returning to Yakima he met and married the lady he was to spend the next 53 years and 3 weeks of his life, Carol Ramona Hiebert.

Don’s military training led to a career in the telephone industry and he retired from AT&T after 33 years of service. His training also led to a lifetime of enjoyment listening to short wave radio broadcasts from around the world and he also enjoyed being a HAM radio operator.

He is survived by his two sons Gregory Donald Butler (Heidi) of Burien, WA and Kevin Eugene Butler (Paula) of Federal Way, WA, and his two grandsons Garrett William Butler and Royce Edward Butler. Mr. Butler is also survived by brothers Edgar D. Butler (Betty) and James C. Butler (Chris); Sisters in law Mrs. Clara Jones (Glen), Mrs. Corae Temple, Mrs. Cleta Den Beste, Mrs. Carie Goff (Tom) and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, special friend and former Sister in law, Mrs. Sharon Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents William E. Butler and Loma L. Butler, one brother Billie (who died at birth) and his wife of 53 years Carol R. Butler.

Mr. and Mrs. Butler were lifelong members of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod both at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, Yakima, and Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church, Yakima.

Arrangements are by Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home with viewing to be Thursday, October 3rd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Services will be held Friday, October 4th at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 10203 Tieton Drive following internment at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. All who wish to attend the internment may gather at the cemetery at 10:00 am with a Christian Funeral service to be conducted at Redeemer at 11:30 am.

The family would like to thank the 7th floor nursing staff at St. Joseph’s Medical Center for their outstanding and compassionate care during his extended stay and the staff at Franciscan Hospice House for their compassionate care in his final hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Grace Lutheran School, Yakima, Evergreen Lutheran High School, Tacoma, or Redeemer Lutheran Church Pre School, Yakima.