Edward J. Butner

Edward J. Butner Jr.
November 13, 1923 - June 16, 2017Edward "Ed" John Butner, Jr., 93, formerly of Nantucket, MA and native Westporter left this world peacefully on June 16, 2017 with members of his family at his side. Ed was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Edna Mae, Brother Richard Butner, and Sister Mary Ann Butner.
Ed was born on November 13, 1923 and was the oldest child of Susie Lanzo Butner and Edward John Butner, Sr. Ed graduated from Staples High School in Westport in 1941. He was a good student, Boy Scout and he sang in the school choral group.
Ed entered the Army Air Force October 23, 1942 and after basic training he was deployed to Lavenham, England and became a member of the 487th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, known as the "Gentlemen from Hell". He was a B-17 radio operator and waist gunner. Ed received the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and 3 Battle Stars.
After his honorable discharge from the Army Air Force, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut graduating in 1950. While at the University of Connecticut, Ed became a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and sang in a Barber Shop Quartet. In the military reserve he reentered the Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged in May 1951.
On October 17, 1951, Ed married Edna Mae Thomas in Negaunee, Michigan and the couple returned to Westport, CT. Ed graduated from the Bridgeport Engineering Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for the Nash Engineering Company in South Norwalk, CT until his retirement in 1985.
After retirement, he and Edna moved to Nantucket, MA and enjoyed all the island had to offer. They traveled to many places but he loved Nantucket best. While on Nantucket, Ed enjoyed playing golf, bridge and working in his garden. He was a member of the Nantucket Angler's Club and Nantucket VFW Post 8608. Ed enjoyed watching UCONN Football and Women's Basketball.
Ed is survived by his three adult children Laura B. Hardon (Allen) of Gilbert, AZ, Edward J. Butner (Lynn) of Trumbull, CT and Jennifer Anderson (Scott) of Westport, CT and four grandchildren Jamie Whittendale, Thomas Hardon and Christopher and Margaret Butner.
Ed's sense of humor and quick wit kept everyone laughing and he will be missed by all those he touched.
At the request of his family, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, PO Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402 or Nantucket VFW Post 8608, PO Box 3640, Nantucket, MA 02564.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday July 13 at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main St., Westport, CT 06880.