On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Marine Cpl. David “Butch” Ellis Satterfield stood his last watch. He died from complications due to being stubborn, doling out sarcasm as if it was candy, and raising hell for 78 years; recent health complications may have also played a role. He was a son, brother, husband, avid outdoorsman, and long-time trucker. But his most beloved roles were dad, grandpa, and Marine. His pride ran deep for these things that he loved and valued. Dave grew up on the Satus and graduated from Mabton High School in 1965. Butch always loved playing in the dirt, farming, and being outside. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was quickly deployed to Vietnam serving two tours in active combat. He was very proud of his service in the 7th Communications Battalion of the First Marine Division, as a 2532 Radio Relay Operator. While in the Corps, he made the best core of friends, who enjoyed regular fishing and hunting trips together as recently as September. In 1971, he married Linda, and together they had their daughter Rene; whom he lovingly joked that he found under a rock on the opening day of hunting season. Throughout his life, Dave would congregate with local coffee groups at different places and various locations. His “coffee cronies” gathering at the Prosser McDonald’s took a romantic turn when he met Margaret Shrauner, gaining his bonus daughter, Nanci. October 1, 1993, Dave and Marge were married and enjoyed getting away to the family cabin, huckleberry picking, tending to their raspberry patch, daily banter, and other adventures together. Nanci took loving care of Dave. She harassed the VA & insurance companies on his behalf when needed, censored his grocery list requests to ensure he was following doctors’ orders, and gave right back any nonsense he tried to throw at her. Along the way, he added Sunny and Blueberry, his two faithful canine companions and constant shadows.

After his military service, he returned to the Yakima Valley working for various farmers and companies, most notably RE Powell Distributing and Reinhard Petroleum. Dave jokingly called himself “the best gas passer around”. Those of us who lived with him know he may or may not have been talking about the hazmat products he was hauling in his truck. He was very proud of having the distinction of driving over 4 million miles accident free. As a truck driver he enjoyed the sense of camaraderie and community. Rumor is he was driving before he could walk; be it a tractor, truck, motorcycle, side-by-side, or tanker.

Dave became a Life member and Sponsor of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 1988 just four years after the nonprofit was created. While living in Richland he became a very active volunteer for the RMEF Tri-Cities chapter and dedicated 27 years to serving in different roles. He was an invaluable volunteer, dedicating countless hours to meetings, banquets, work teams, and the State Resource Team.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending his days nagging Marge and Nanci, going on father/daughter outings with Rene, following the activities of his granddaughters, hunting & fishing and being outdoors with his friends, joking with the crowd at his local coffee group, and solving the world’s problems at the Richland VFW. He was an active member of the VFW over the years, serving as Commander of Post 3207 and Senior Vice Commander of Post 7952.

Dave is survived by his wife Marge, daughter Nanci, daughter Rene and granddaughters Sofia and Isabella, and special Marine Brothers Rod & Tom. Due to space limitations, there isn’t enough room to list all the relatives and the friends who have become his family since he knew no strangers.

Forgive us if we don’t pay by the word to list you by name. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Thelma, sister Karen, second wife Sandi Johnson and Marine Brother Dale Proffitt. You can honor Dave/Butch by raising a glass at the local Vet’s club or donating in his memory to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Tri-Cities Chapter, Puget Sound Honor Flight, or Sofia’s Shining Stars.

Dave was the life of the party. If he didn’t give you a hard time, you’d better be worried because sarcasm was his love language. The room is not as bright without his smile and the world is not as light without his sense of humor. Please join us in one final “OORAH” as we send him off and say farewell. Leave your suit jacket and tie at home but please do wear clothing to the service be it camo, military or casual. Flasks must be concealed. Services will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Prosser, November 16th at 11:00am. Butch was known for his cooking abilities and love of food. All are invited as we share stories and lunch afterward at the church.