William Guy Butler

William G. Butler, 83, passed away Monday, March 25, 2013, at Westmoreland Nursing Center in Lake Forest surrounded by his family. He was born November 17, 1929 in El Paso, TX and grew up in a Military family that moved constantly. He served in ROTC as a student in High School; after graduation he joined the Army in 1949 in Astoria, Oregon. Bill retired in 1970 after 23 years of service. Among his many accomplishments, he served as a Shooting Instructor at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received many medals and awards as an expert marksman. He was a highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel that served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and also aided in the coordination of President Eisenhower's Funeral. In 1970 Bill retired as the Chief of Special Services at Fort Sheridan. Upon retirement he bought a home with his wife in Mundelein where they have been residents for over 40 years. He was employed by the Baxter Corporation for 18 years before retiring as the Director of Security. He later served as a past President of the Baxter Alumni club for Retirees. Bill had a lot of pride for his service to his country and was a proud member and past Commander of the VFW Post 8741, Libertyville. A love of Aviation brought Bill to volunteer his time, planes and experience to the K.P.A (Kenosha Pilots Assn.) and the E.A.A. (Experimental Aircraft Assn.), Chapter 414, and the Young Eagles Program where he was a volunteer pilot providing 1235 children an opportunity to experience the joy of flying. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Lily A. Butler, 2 children; Arlene (Robert) Herrick of Gurnee, Rich (Debbie) Butler of Peoria, AZ, 5 Grandchildren; Burt (Tami) Spencer, Scott and Ben Herrick, and Jenni and Bryan Butler, 1 Great Grandchild Daniel Spencer, 1 Brother, John (Judy) Butler of Grandview, TX, 4 Sisters; Charlene, Valene, Sue, and Judy, and many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his son Victor Guy in 1956, and by his sister Juanita. There will be a visitation Thursday, March 28, 2013 from 1pm until the time of service at 5pm at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home Ltd., 120 W. Park Ave. (Route 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave.), Libertyville, IL 60048. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery on Friday shortly after leaving Burnett-Dane Funeral Home at 11am. Memorials can be made to the E.A.A. on behalf of Bill Butler for the Young Eagles Program, P.O. Box 2683, Oshkosh, WI 54903. For information, 847-362-3009

William Guy Butler

September 17, 1929 - March 25, 2013