Butch attended Post Elementary, Fourth Avenue Junior High, and graduated from Yuma High School where he won the state tennis championship and was on the swim team. He served our country from 1964-1977 in the United States Air Force reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.
In 1967 he married Murla Drake (Blades) and in 1972 they became the parents of Petronella “Petty” Newhard. Following his military service, Butch worked in the field of technology for Xerox, Ricoh Corporation, and Hopstetter’s. In 1990, while living in Reno, NV, he earned his private pilot’s license in single engine aircraft. Butch and Murla became divorced in 1993. During the course of his life he lived in Turkey, Germany, Holland, Idaho, California, Nevada, and Ohio, before returning home to Yuma. A Republican and proud member of the National Rifle Association, Butch was an avid gun collector and shared his enthusiasm with his daughter and grandchildren. As have been all members of the Newhard family, Butch was known for his humor, quick wit, and hearty laugh. He loved Camel cigarettes, Little Debbies, Pepsi and black and white sci-fi and war movies. There were two things he always took seriously: our great country and his family. He has left a space that can never be filled.
Butch is survived by his Aunt, Barbara Luckie (USMC COL Mack Luckie); daughter, Petronella Newhard; grandchildren: USMC PFC Warren "CW" Charles Newhard IV (previously C. Warren Lucas), and Carletta and Camaela Jones; ex-wife; Murla Drake (Blades); nephews: Josh (Reena) Ghiotto and children Nick and Natalie; Johnny (Carmen) Ghiotto, and Jaime Ghiotto; niece, Bertha Newhard and son, Jared; and ever present friends the Copelands, Hoskos, Moreno, and Owens families. He was preceded in death by parents, Warren "Doc" Charles Newhard, Jr and Ada Louise Newhard (Raley); ex-in-laws, Murrel and Della Blades; brother, Robert "Toad" Newhard; sister, Betty Newhard; Aunt Margaret "Peggy" Newhard; and Uncle, William "Bill" Newhard.
A military service will be held at Alice Byrne Elementary School located at 811 W. 16th St. at 5pm, Saturday, September 27th. Following the service will be a walking processional to the family home at 600 W. 17th St. (less than a block away). Feel free to bring a dish and join us for a grand Irish send off! Be prepared for: telling stories about Butch, his favorite foods, Irish Whiskey, and Camel cigarettes. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alice Byrne Elementary School who generously donated the use of their facilities. Cremation and memorial arrangements were handled by Johnson’s Mortuary of Yuma.
Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.
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