Harold Merle Butterbaugh

Harold Merle Butterbaugh

Harold Merle Butterbaugh, known to many as "Harry" or Mr. B, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer or September 23, 2014 at the age of 79.
Mr. B was born on February 11, 1935 in Covina to Merle and Harriet Butterbaugh. Harry and twin brother Ron were the first set of twins to be born at Inter-Community Hospital that survived. Mr. B attended college in La Verne and Pasadena where he earned a teaching credential, Bachelors degree in Physical Education and a Masters in Adult Education. After graduating, Mr. B married his sweetheart Diane Meeder and the two settled in Covina where they raised her three girls.
Mr. B was passionate about teaching and taught 40 years in the Charter Oak Unified School District. He has been recognized with two honorary PTA life memberships, COUSD Golden Apple Award, and many Special Thanks and Appreciation awards. After retiring in 1997, Mr. and Mrs. B served their community by volunteering at Inter-Community Hospital. They drove the van for patients receiving radiation, sold coupon books to help raise money for their scholarship fund and delivered meals on wheels.
In addition to being an accomplished teacher, Mr. B also sang with a barbershop group, taught Drivers Ed, and enjoyed traveling and spending time at his cabin in Lake Arrowhead with his wife and dog Button.
Mr. B is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Diane Butterbaugh, daughters Debi Jo Strunck, Barbara Slady and husband, twin brother Ron Butterbaugh, Sister Lois Godfrey and husband, five grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, five nieces and five nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Pamela Hayes and son Kelly Butterbaugh.
A service will be held on Saturday, October 11th at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Pomona located at 1751 North Park Avenue, Pomona.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harry Butterbaugh Scholarship Fund c/o the Charter Oak Community Scholarship Foundation (COCSF) attention Marsha Stoudt, 1527 Ganesha Place, Pomona, CA 91768. Please make checks payable to COCSF with Harry Butterbaugh Scholarship Fund written in the memo section.