William Butler

Butler, William Herman, St. Johns, MI. "Barnacle Bill" Butler was born in St. Johns on December 25, 1928, which, to his perpetual dismay, assured him a lifetime of being given only one gift to cover both Christmas and his birthday. He joined the Navy in 1946 when he was only 17. His 30 years of service were the best of his life. He traveled the world, made friends in every port, and, by the time of his retirement from the Navy in 1976, had acquired a wife and nine children, with whom he settled on a farm in St. Johns. He was a talented writer and musician but never pursued these talents, spending his time instead working in a factory and his own farm in order to support his family. He was clever, funny, and generous to a fault. He also loved deeply and, as a result, was often disappointed by the objects of his affections. He saw all of his children grow to adulthood and move on to lives of their own. His remaining years were active and full. He was an active participant in the bowling league he belonged to, for which he was the recording secretary. He took special joy in the upkeep of the five acre farm in St. Johns where he lived alone until he entered a nursing home in late 2002. In October 2003 he wrote:

When my earthly days are over
Will I look back to find,
Ia�(TM)ve tread through life so lightly
Ia�(TM)ve not left a trail behind?

He needna�(TM)t have worried. He is survived by numerous friends and family members upon whose lives he made a lasting impression. He was especially close to his brothers, David Butler of Laingsburg and Dean Worrall of St. Johns, and his cousin, Larry Moore of St. Johns, who were his constant companions until his death from cancer on December 14. Over the years, Bill kept in close contact with his former Navy shipmates. According to his wishes, his cremated remains will be scattered at sea. A gathering honoring his memory will be held in the spring. Online condolences can be sent to smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Johns Chapel

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