John Richard Butler “Big D”

John Richard Butler was born in Kansas City, MO on April 9, 1930 and was the oldest of three children and the only son of John Henry and Alma Butler. He accepted Christ at an early age in the Baptist Church and converted to Catholicism during his military travels. While in high school he met his sweet heart, future wife and lifelong partner, Charleszetta Reed. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy where he began his journey to various cities in the U.S., traveled around the world, and eventually settling with his family in San Diego CA. He and his wife had 9 children, 6 boys and 3 girls. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 25 years of service. After the military, he returned to school, obtained his Associate of Arts degree, worked various jobs, and retired a second and final time as an electrician for the University of California at San Diego. John recognized his civic duty; and community was very important to him. He gave back by working with others to better the community and create a safe and positive environment for our youth. As an example, he fought for and was successful in bringing a teen center to Linda Vista for the youth and advocated for a traffic light on an unsafe corner in front of Chesterton Elementary School, which was installed as a result of their efforts. The Catholic Church was very important to John. His fellowship with Holy Family began in 1962 and continued until his passing. Working fervently in the church as a mentor to the new Catholic members, an Eucharistic Minister and a member of the RCIA. “The family that prays together stays together” that was one of his strongest beliefs and lessons to us, his family. He prayed with us and taught us how to pray. Every Friday night we prayed together and in spite of all of life’s challenges, we stayed together. He promoted education by encouraging his children and others to further their knowledge in institutions of higher learning, vocational, or trade schools. He believed education opened doors to opportunities and a better quality of life, and that learning is continuous and should never end. On another note, all of those that really knew John know he was a prankster and had a sense of humor. Some of JB’s famous quotes were:

– Illiteracy is predominant where ignorance is profound;

– I’m not fattening up frogs for snakes;

– You don’t believe fat meat’s greasy;

– If you ain’t got nothing you’ve got to have something;

– I can’t pin you down for that right now, but if I do…you’ll answer for it;

– Don’t burn your bridges because you may have to cross them again.

There are so many more and we will forever remember them. In his life he touched many people and was touched by many more. As he reflected on all those he met, helped, sparred with, and loved, his family was at the core of all he was. He was thankful to have had the opportunity to impart into his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. Very recently he said to his daughters “I’m blessed to see a the seeds I planted in my children come to fruition”. That gave him peace and joy. We celebrate the life of John Richard Butler and thank him for loving, teaching an showing us what it meant to have been the Husband, Father, and the “Head” of our home. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Alma Butler, sister, Iraceale Gleason, son, Brian Eugene Butler, grandson, Gregory R. Butler and granddaughter, Unita Butler. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife, Charleszetta Butler, sister Donna Darks, Daughters, Rhonda Adway, Tina Harris, and Joan Johnson. Sons, Steven Butler, Gregory Butler, George Butler, Robert Butler and David Butler. Daughter in laws, Frances Butler and Sandra Butler. Son in law, Willie Adway Jr. 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.