Arthur Jackson Butcher

He was born on January 31, 1932, in Kirvin, TX to Richard and Consula Butcher, being the 7th of 12 children (5 girls and 7 boys). He was a caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend that will be dearly missed. He was also a proud Army Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, official title Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Jackson Butcher.

He loved and served his country well, completing three tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. Arthur became interested in the Army and participated in ROTC (Reserved Officer Training Corp) while attending Prairie View A&M University. His involvement in ROTC prepared him for a distinguished career as a military officer once he graduated. He was commissioned and entered the Army as a 2nd lieutenant. Arthur also earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education while at Prairie View. It was during this time that Art met the love of his life and future wife, Jean. Art and Jean married in 1956, 10 days before he left on a tour of duty to Korea. They started a family together in 1958, having 3 children (2 daughters and 1 son). They lived quite an interesting and adventurous life during Art’s military career, moving about to various states and countries. The family settled in San Antonio, TX in 1971.

Shortly after moving to San Antonio, Art joined Crestview Baptist Church and was a very active member for the rest of his life, approximately 50 years. He loved the Lord! He served as a Sunday School teacher, and he enjoyed attending Bible Study and the many potlucks. Being involved in the military was such a major part of Art’s life, that he decided to become a JROTC instructor at Lee High School in Houston, TX once he retired from the Army in 1976. He was very devoted to the students in his JROTC program and went beyond the call of duty to aid them in many ways. Many students continued to reach out to their caring instructor after they graduated. Art would commute back and forth weekly between San Antonio and Houston until his retirement 20 years later.

Art was such a great dad and grandfather, otherwise known as Papa, to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them dearly. Throughout his children’s youth years, Arthur took pleasure in driving his wife and the children to their various sports and extracurricular activities. Despite not being an avid sports enthusiast, he demonstrated unwavering support for his family by consistently attending his children's sporting events as well as other activities and frequently serving as a coach on his son's teams. Family and friends could always find Art outside taking care of his yard or inside the home, tinkering with items in need of repair. He enjoyed watching Westerns, Karate, animal shows and loved eating Chinese food, all flavors of ice cream and Ritz crackers.

Approximately 15 years ago, Art was diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. He underwent surgery, resulting in his cure. In 2022, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to which he later succumbed. Arthur was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean; his parents, Richard and Consula Butcher; brothers Aaron, Richard Noble, Napoleon, Quincy, and Elmer Butcher; sisters Alice Mae Dillard, Theressa Butcher, Berneice Sterling, and Velma Henderson Ceasar; his daughter, Shari Johnson, son-in-law, Glenn Francis; sisters-in-law, Cathelyn Katy, and Ida Bell Butcher, and Gaylor Rickett; brothers-in-law Elijah Dillard, Ellis Ceasar, and Benjamin, James, Charles, and Ronald Rickett.

Arthur is survived by children, Rhonda Francis, Arthur James Butcher and Mildred Ellison; son-in-law, Kevin Johnson; sisters-in-law Betty Butcher, Shirley and Mary Rickett; brother-in-law, Donald Rickett; grandchildren, Jenna Francis, Alicia Prince (Christian), Kayla Francis, Bradley Johnson (Courtnie), Bryant Johnson (Alexis), Nicole Manuel, Rodney Govan, Ronny Ellison, Danielle Lerma; goddaughter, Vanessa Franklin; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The Funeral Service will be 12:30 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at Crestview Baptist Church, 8101 Eaglecrest, Windcrest, TX, 78239. Interment will follow at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.