John Lawton Butcher Jr

12/25/1934 — 05/05/2024

From Richland, WA | Born in Omaha, NE

Watch Service

Public Viewing

Starts:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 9:00 am
Ends:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 11:00 am
Location:
Events at Sunset
915 Bypass Highway

Richland, WA 99352

Celebration of Life

Starts:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 11:00 am
Ends:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 12:00 pm
Location:
Events at Sunset
915 Bypass Highway

Richland, WA 99352

Committal Service

Starts:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 12:00 pm
Ends:
Thu, May 23, 2024, 1:00 pm
Location:
Sunset Gardens
915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352
Website:
Visit   Sunset Gardens

John Lawton Butcher Jr

Mr. John Lawton Butcher Jr, a beloved resident of Richland, WA passed away in the comfort of his home on May 5th, 2024. John was a man whose life was colored by the vastness of the American landscapes, was born in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska at Methodist Hospital on Christmas Day, 1934.
He was a man of many talents and passions that shaped his extraordinary journey through life.

Growing up in Valley, Nebraska, John discovered his love for hunting, trapping, and farming at a young age. Graduating from high school at just 16, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Lincoln, Nebraska were he was a very proud member of the Nebraska Huskers. In his early adulthood in Absarokee, Montana, John worked at the Chrome mine, where he not only met his beloved wife, Helen, but also showcased his cowboy skills by riding the Brahman bull and becoming a bareback champion.

One of John’s greatest joys in life was the birth of his four sons, and later in his career, he went on to co-own B & D Alignment with his son, Jerry. With a passion for engineering, John pursued a Master’s Degree in the field, eventually obtaining his private pilot’s license and later becoming a flight instructor. His expertise led him to become a troubleshooter at Apollo Rockets, where his knowledge and skills shone brightly.

As a dedicated member of society, John was a proud Lifetime Member of the Quantrill Society and played a pivotal role as an initial shareholder at the Richland Hangar Association, leaving a lasting impact on those he came across.
John is survived by his four sons John Lawton Buther III, Jerry Wayne Butcher, James William Butcher and Jeffrey Lee Butcher. Grandchildren, Nicole Marie Butcher, Kristin Butcher and her spouse Jaren Wilkinson. Sherri Butcher a niece who called and chose to be a friend to John.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Lawton Butcher and Helen Ruth Clark.

The memories and cherished moments shared with John will be honored at the upcoming funeral services. A public viewing will take place at Events at Sunset on May 23, 2024, at 9:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony at 11:00 am. The Committal Service and Interment will be held at SMG – Peace Block I at 12:00 pm. The reception to reflect on John’s life and legacy will be held at Einans at Sunset at 1:00 pm on the same day, commemorating the wonderful life he lived and the impact he left on all who knew him.

John Lawton Butcher Jr’s remarkable journey will forever be remembered and cherished by his loved ones, friends, and the community he was a cherished part of.

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John Lawton Butcher Jr

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  • John was a cherished member of our family and will be greatly missed. I’m thankful that John and my mom, Sonya, found each other in their later years and enjoyed life together for so many years. I remember a family trip we took to the Kennedy Space Center. Just so happened that John had worked on the shuttle that was on display. He was telling us about the work he performed and soon it drew a crowd. People from around the world were hanging on his every word. To John, it was just another day talking about work. He was a brilliant man.
    I’m happy John is at peace. I’m sad I won’t be able to tell him Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas one more time.

    Dawn Beaudreau
    June 3, 2024
    Aloha, OR
  • I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family.

    Jorgi Martin-Duty
    June 3, 2024
    Spokane
  • RIP John you were a great man and have left a lasting legacy.

    Lisa Mars
    May 22, 2024
    Benton City WA
  • Our sympathies to Mr Butcher’s family. Know that we are praying for you all in this sad time. He was such a good neighbor to Dave, myself and our 3 daughters. He always had a smile and a wave ready whenever we drove or walked past his place. We all still remember when he lost his dog in the desert beyond our place, and asked our girls to go search on horseback while he flew overhead. They found it for him and he was so appreciative that he took them for a plane ride! Our family will miss that wave.
    Dave, Darlene Merrill and daughters Melissa, Melinda and K’Lyn

    Darlene Merrill
    May 22, 2024
    Richland, WA
  • Dad I have heard from a few of your flight students from California… You made a heck of a impact on their lives.. one became a commercial Pilot.. I did get the wheel covers off your two seat plane. I am going to send them to your former students. I will keep one for myself .. I know you would want this.. They were great times going to California to visit you in the summers and hanging around your friends and become my friends as well

    Jim Butcher
    May 21, 2024
    Richland, WA
  • I am so sorry to hear about Grandpa Butcher’s passing. I will always cherish the memories I have of him and I am extremely grateful to have known such a kind, smart, and talented man. My deepest condolences to the entire Butcher family during this time. Rest in Peace to you, Grandpa.

    Kristin Butcher
    May 21, 2024
    Oakland, California
  • John may you rest in peace. We are so happy you were apart of our lives and glad we got to have lots of laughs/memories together throughout our lifetime. Loved the flying, rodeo’s and just the great conversations.

    Anonymous
    May 21, 2024
  • Though it’s been decades since I was in contact, John was my first flight instructor in California. He has always had a special place in my heart and his wise words still echo inside me whenever I’m flying, to this day. John, you were a wonderful inspiration for me, and your presence in my life helped steer my future. You will be missed, my friend.

    Anonymous
    May 19, 2024
  • To the family of John Butcher…please accept our sympathies for the loss of John, our long time neighbor. He was a very kind man and he will be missed in the neighborhood.

    Anonymous
    May 17, 2024
  • Dad I know I always told you that I like you.. It was the same thing is saying I love you..I will miss you every day.. you will always be in my thoughts.. always bud… You can go over and use my bench any time..RIP Dad…in tell next time…

    Jim Butcher
    May 12, 2024
    Richland
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