Robert I. Butler

Robert I. Butler, 89, of Ligonier, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, in the Bethlen Home. He was born April 12, 1925, in Latrobe, the son of Royston and Maud (Kepple) Butler. He had been employed as a teacher in the Ligonier Valley School District for many years. Robert was a member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ligonier. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William, of Latrobe, and James, of Somerset; and a sister, Britta Annetta (Babe) Williams, of Latrobe. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sally (Austraw) Butler; his sister, Corinne Bollinger, of Latrobe; a son, Thomas A. Butler; a daughter, Barbara (Jeff) Yanits; and two granddaughters, Olivia and Grace Yanits, along with many nieces and nephews. Robert is a 1942 graduate of Latrobe High School. He is a veteran of the Navy and attended Thiel College, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi. He earned his Master's degree through University of Pittsburgh. Robert enjoyed travelling, spending winters in Florida, camping, biking and bird watching. He was an avid tennis player who played consistently into his late 70's. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Alzheimer's care team and the entire staff of the Bethlen Home. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at the SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 402 E. Church St., Ligonier. Interment followed in the Unity Cemetery, Latrobe.