Raymond “Papa” “Buzz” D. Butler
April 3, 1943 - April 16, 2024
Raymond “Papa” “Buzz” D. Butler, age 81, of Newark, DE passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Born in Dubois, PA on April 3, 1943, he was the son of the late Merl Lyle Butler and Sara Irene Dupont.
Ray was a 1963 graduate of Dubois High School where he was in the band for seven years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam as a member of the 76th Army Band, travelling all over Europe. After his service, he graduated from IBM Business School and went on to retire from General Motors after 30 years. Ray was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus to the 4th degree. In his leisure time, he enjoyed bowling and playing golf. Ray will be remembered by his family and friends for all the activities they shared and especially for his infectious smile.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Butler of 55 years; his daughter, Brenda L. Broad and her husband, Brian; his son, Robert R. Bulter; three grandchildren, April, Crystal, and Brandon; and four great-grandchildren, Veronica, Kevin, Killian, and Christopher.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713, where a Funeral Mass will begin at 11 am. A committal service will begin at 10 am on May 17, 2024, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Any loved ones who are unable to attend the service for Ray may live stream the service by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder company, P.O. Box 148, Newark, DE 19715 or online by clicking here.
Kevin Walling
Deepest condolences – know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory be eternal. Kevin Walling
Bala Swaminathan
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I hope the passage of time eases the current pain of loss and leaves you with the many happy memories from his amazing life.
FRANK MAZLEWSKI
Diane, Brenda, Brian, Robert and grand children, my condolences on Ray’s passing. May he rest in peace with our savior Jesus.
David and Evelyn Bem
Brenda we are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn’t know your father we know you, and that means he must have been an amazing father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Hinkle
Barbara Hinkle
Ray was very funny, generous, kind, supportive, and understanding. He will be dearly
missed by all that knew him. God received a wonderful angel in heaven. Sending thoughts and prayers to Diane, Bob, Brenda, and Brian, and grandchildren.
Love,
Barbara Hinkle
Kathy Broad
Dear Brenda, Brian and Brandon, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Papa Butler. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful video of his legacy. Sending prayers and healing hugs.
Sourav
Sure his memories are going to last and bring smile to the family. Know he is in a better place with Jesus Christ 🙏
Todd Broad
Dear Diane, Brenda, Bob and the whole family;
My heart goes out to you all and I pray for the repose of Ray’s soul as well as comfort and consolation for all who mourn Ray. This is a difficult thing you are forced to do, saying goodbye to Ray. Yet we have hope that God is merciful on Ray and he is welcomed into paradise. This hope is not in vain and we are thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus reconciling us to God.
Thank you for streaming the Mass. I am sure you did not hear me singing and praying from here, but I am thankful I could participate in some small way. The reading from Lamentations was poignant – yes, he will be mourned and missed but all is not lost. This is not the end.
May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
All my love,
Todd