Harold "Harry" BUTLER Jr.

BUTLER, Jr., Harold 'Harry'
Lt. Colonel, USAF

'Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth on sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things..." "High Flight" - Pilot officer John Gillespie Magee

Harry soared skyward on May 9, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Marguerite 'Peg'; his daughters, Kathie of Boise, Idaho, Lynne of San Francisco and Betsy of Los Angeles; as well as his sister Jeanie Florence of Coronado; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marylou Anthony and Helen Caven.



Born in Coronado, CA in 1928, Butler enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 19, serving in Guam, March Air Force Base in California and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. As Butler often said, 'Thanks to God and the G.I. Bill,' he was able to attend Weber Jr. College in Utah, transferring to Cornell University in New York where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and a commission as a Second Lt. in the Air Force Reserves.

While staying active in the Reserves for almost 40 years, Butler worked in the financial arena with Crocker Anglo Bank at many of their branches in the Sacramento area. He continued in management at the Bank of Sacramento and Security Pacific Bank as a manager and assistant vice president at various branches throughout the area. Butler retired from banking in 1975.

Butler was dedicated to serving his country and proved his commitment when, after having reached the time limit in his slot as a Lt. Colonel, he resigned his commission, and re-enlisted the next day as a Sergeant. He continued his service with the 940th Air Refueling Group and the Fourth Air Force at McClellan Air Base until reaching the military mandatory retirement age of 60. The flag of the United States flew every day at Butler's home in Carmichael until he was no longer able to carry out this assignment.

Final arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society. At a later date, he (and his faithful cat 'Big Guy') will be scattered off the shores of his beloved Coronado. In honor of his memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the McClellan Aerospace Museum, McClellan, CA 95652.