Leland E. Butler

SMSgt. USAF Ret. Leland E. Butler, age 86, was born March 7, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio to Garnet and Robert Butler. Lee passed away April 28, 2017 and is survived by his beloved wife Bonnie of 65 years, his devoted children including spouses: David Blake Butler (Cindy), Dana Butler, Beverly Erben (Monty), Becky Whealen (Dennis), seven grandchildren including spouses and fiancés: Joanna Powell (Jeremy), Jeanna Butler (Phillip Richardson), JM Erben (Jordan Morgan), David Butler (Krista), Barb Flanagan (Clint) Dana Jean Cable (Richard), Nicole Swift (Judd Nichols) and his three precious great-grandchildren: Preston Powell, Blake Butler and Lyllix Powell. He is also survived by his two sisters, Lois Burgess and Shirley Lowery, both of Charleston, W.Va. He is loved by many nieces and nephews.

Lee graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, W. VA in 1950 and joined the Air Force shortly thereafter. He retired in 1979 after serving his country for 28 years and earning numerous awards and decorations. He continued his education and graduated from Texas State University in 1980.

Lee was an avid athlete and enjoyed handball, basketball, golf, fishing and pool. He played on numerous handball and basketball teams in the Air Force and won too many trophies and awards to count. He loved his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be from 5-7PM on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home on Austin Highway. Funeral Services will be conducted at 9AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home followed by burial at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:15AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.