LaVerne Harry Butts

LaVerne Harry Butts was born Jan. 30, 1931 in Mt. Olive, Illinois. He spent his youth in Litchfield, Illinois with his parents Harry and Margaret Butts, along with 3 brothers, Bob, Richard and Melvin, and sister, Velma. He learned to fly from Mr. Pruitt, and got his pilot’s license at the age of 16.

One year later he joined the Navy. He flew Douglass AD Skyraiders off the USS Philippine Sea as a Naval Aviator in Korea. He flew 21 missions, and was shot down twice.

After Korea, Harry played for the Los Angles Rams as a right halfback on single wing and left end on T-formation from 1952-1955.

He joined Douglas Aircraft Co. in 1955, spending the next 40 years in managerial positions, and retired in 1995 to Prescott, AZ.

Harry had 3 children, Lee, Art, and Cheryl, with his first wife, Shirley. He met Marnie while working at McDonell Douglas, and they married in 1978. Harry became Stephanie’s Dad from the time she was a year old.

After retiring to Prescott, Harry was active in the Ranch Social Club, serving as its’ first president. He made a lot of great friends, and spent the last 25 years playing a lot of golf.

Harry was a man of strong moral character and a true patriot. For Harry, love of God, Country, and Family was the foundation by which he lived his life.

Harry is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by one much loved grandson.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter on Saturday, August 21, 2021, 11:00 am at St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, 3502 N. First Street, Fresno CA 93726.

A private interment will be held at Belmont Memorial Park.