Karl Nelson Butler

Colorado State Veteran's Home in Denver of causes incident to age.

He was born to John Eddy and Rebecca Nelson Butler on October 1, 1920 in Eagar,

Arizona. He spent his early years in Eagar and helped his father on the family farm.

After graduating from high school, he attended a year of college at Gila Junior College

in Thatcher, Arizona. He served an LDS mission to the Northwestern States Mission

from 1941-1943.

Karl was a WWII veteran and served honorably in the 96th Army Infantry Division. He

was wounded on Okinawa and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his

service. After the war, he attended Utah State University and received a B.A. degree in

Psychology in 1948. He specialized in tests and measurements. Subsequently he was

hired by United States Steel, Geneva Works in Utah County, Utah as a personnel

analyst. He worked in that position for 30 years.

During his years at Utah State, Karl met and married the love of his life, Carol Smith, in

the Salt Lake Temple on March 9, 1948. They were blessed with six wonderful children,

four daughters and two sons. Carol passed away in 1999 from lifelong health

challenges.

A man of great faith, Karl was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday

Saints throughout his entire life. He touched many lives and served in many callings

including Bishop, High Councilman, and Denver Stake Patriarch. He served actively as

a Patriarch until he was into his nineties when advancing age made it impossible for him

to continue.

Karl leaves a great legacy of kindness, compassion, and gratitude for all things. He was

a supreme example of courtesy and respect for others and greeted all he met with a

smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in

death by his wife and a granddaughter. He is survived by his six children: Jan Robison

(Ralph), Brent Butler (Melodie), Gayl Genung (Chris), Karen Debate (David), Mark

Butler (Terri), and Mary Kay Vance (Skip), 18 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Karl will be held on Monday, December 12, at 10:00 am at the

Heather Ridge LDS Ward at 740 Hudson Ave., Denver, Colorado,

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an organization which

helps veterans in the state of Colorado. More information about these organizations can

be found at: veteranspassport2hope.org