Lyle William Butler Jr.

LTC (Ret) Lyle William Butler, Jr., age 73, of Fort Smith, died July 25, 2011 in Fort Smith. He was born in Winchester, VA on October 1, 1937 to Lyle and Margaret White Butler. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1959 where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and upon graduation he was commissioned into the U.S. Army. During a military career that spanned over 20 years he had assignments in Germany, Ethiopia, and South Vietnam, as well as a posting in South Carolina; the lion’s share of his military service was spent at Fort Sill, OK. Lyle was known as a soldier’s soldier, earning numerous awards including 2 Legions of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and was inducted twice into The Ancient Order of St. Barbara. He completed two Master’s Degrees during his time in the service. Upon retirement from active duty he continued his association with the Army that he loved, by holding development positions with defense contractors, Telos, and until his death, the R.A.M., Inc.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Butler of the Home; three sons, Wes and his wife Jane Butler of Midwest City, OK., Dr. James and his wife Jan Butler of Fort Smith, Daniel and his wife Terri Butler of Endwell, NY; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral service will be July 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Fort Smith National Cemetery including Final Taps and Full Military Honors at 11:00 AM all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be members of the U.S. Army.

Honorary pallbearers will be SSGT Kyle Butler, Justin Butler, Jason Butler, R.J. Butler, Aaron Vega, Casey Oliver, Nathan Garner, and Mike Overby.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5-7 PM

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (877)832-6997 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com