Claude Butler

1919 - 2015

Claude Raymond Butler, 96, of State College died Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Atrium in State College. He was born August 27, 1919, at Cressona, a son of the late Arthur and Anna Dietrich Butler. On August 9, 1944 he married Ethel Steidle Butler who survives at home. Claude graduated from Cressona High School, where he was on the football team, and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. Mr. Butler served with the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was part of the invasion of Sicily, as a Squadron Navigator. He was also called to service with the U. S. Air force during the Korean War and prior to his final discharge had earned the rank of First Lieutenant. As a Mechanical Engineer he worked for Western Electric his entire working career. He was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in State College and for much of his life was an active Rotarian. Earlier in life he had served on school board of East Penn School District in Emmaus. Next to family one of his first loves was flying, which he did to the end of his life; and was a member of the Aercon Flying Club. He was also an avid model airplane builder and enthusiast and enjoyed reading. Survivors: Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Raymond C. Butler (Paula) of San Diego, CA; Carol A. Yeagley (Hank) of Spring Mills and Scott D. Butler (Michele) of Chalfont; seven grandchildren, Leanne Weyman (Steve), Henry B. Yeagley, Julie Claudia Yeagely (FianceeTim Andree), Bennett Arthur Butler (Allison), Cameron Butler, Mitchell Butler and Tian Butler; one great grandson Hudson Weyman; and a step granddaughter Shama. Services: A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a. m., Monday, December 7, 2015, at the Atrium at the Village at Penn State, 300 Lions Hill Road, State College, PA 16803, with the Reverend Eric Shaffer officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Schuylkill Memorial Park, 75 Memorial Drive Schuylkill Haven PA. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the residents annual fund for nurses and staff at the Atrium in the Nittany Village, 300 Lions Hill Road, State College, PA 16803 An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.