Walter H. Butler

Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 26, 2008

ZUNI—Walter H. “Jiggs” Butler, 92, born May 16, 1916, died June 20, 2008.

Mr. Butler was the son of the late Theodosia Bowden Butler and Lloyd Hudson Butler. He was one of five siblings.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1935, and completed basic training at Fort Monroe.

He served at Fort Lee in Hawaii, other U.S. duty stations and in Europe, most notably through the entire duration of World War II.

He was a dedicated soldier, attaining the then highest non-commissioned officer rank of master sergeant.

In 1941, he and Margaret Lassiter (deceased) were married.

After returning from the war, he returned to Fort Lee and was later reassigned to Vienna, Austria.

In 1951, he was then assigned to serve in Augsburg, Germany.

In 1952, he and Margaret adopted Gerald “Jerry” Wayne.

In 1955, the family returned to the United States. Jiggs retired after 20 years of service and they settled in Zuni.

Upon his return, Mr. Butler, a charter member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church, served as elder and Sunday school teacher and was active within the men’s group.

Survivors include his son, Jerry Butler; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, Essie Woods, sister-in-law, and a multitude of friends.

A celebration of his life was held Monday in Bethany Presbyterian Church, Zuni, by the Rev. Douglas L. Van Niel, with burial at Holly Lawn Cemetery in Suffolk.

R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mr. Butler to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5358 Zuni Circle, Zuni, VA 23898 or Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad, 19 E. Windsor Blvd., Windsor, VA 23487.

Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com