Commander Frank Butler

[George T Decker]

I've been informed of  Commander Frank Butler's ( Det 8,69-70).  passing last night. His wife Mrs Maggie called me. I will pass on details as I receive them .

[Mike Dobson]

Tommy, I show the CDR with an address of Bentonville Ark ---- is that still current ??  Keep us informed, I am in range of this service and will hopefully be able to attend

[Dan Arnes]

That's correct Mike

[Walt Lester]

I have passed to Maggie Butler to contact Bud Barnes.

[Bill Rutledge]

He was a great Pilot, Friend and Bad A==, he will be missed

[Jim Plona]

George, I know you were close to Mr. Butler.  You take care my friend, and RIP Mr. Butler.

Jim

[Dan Arnes]

Bud has already been in contact with Maggie...

[Mike McNaull SW-81]

RIP Frank.  Flew many flights as his co-pilot.

[Barb Ely]

Francis Wayne Butler

Francis Wayne Butler, 76, Commander, United States Navy Retired, passed away at home July 15, 2016. "Wayne" to his family and "Frank" to his friends, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maggie Butler; his brother, Steven Butler and his wife Becky of Fayetteville, Ga., and his sister Carol Foy and her husband Louis from Pollocksville, N.C. Frank was preceded in death his parents William Loyce and Bertie Lee Butler.
Born May 7, 1940 in Georgetown, S.C., Frank grew up in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., before graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1963. After serving briefly on Navy destroyers, he applied for flight school and earned his wings as a Navy pilot in 1967. He served three tours in Southeast Asia including a tour in Viet Nam as a pilot with Helicopter Attack Squadron Three where he flew 650 armed combat missions, earning numerous decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, 27 Strike Flight Air medals, and two Navy Commendations for Valor. In a later tour, as part of the initial cadre for Operation End Sweep he piloted the first flight into Haiphong, North Viet Nam on the days immediately following the end of the Viet Nam war. Frank served in a total of 14 operational and senior leadership positions and retired from the Navy after a total of 31 years. He was fond of saying that the Navy never felt like a job because he loved serving his country.
Frank and Maggie retired to Bentonville, Ark., in 1989. His love for the area made it home. During his years in Arkansas he became an avid Rotarian, and was involved with the Ozark Society. A lifelong bird hunter and outdoorsman, Frank served many years on the committee for Benton County Quail and spent countless days in the woods and fields with his beloved Brittany Spaniels.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice.
Visitation will be held at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services in Rogers on Tuesday July 19 from 6-8 p.m. Rosary at 7:30. The funeral will be held at St. Stephens in Bentonville on Wednesday, July 20 at 10 a.m. Burial services will be at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Date is TBD.

[Russell]

Flew with him on det 8. He was solid as a rock.  Sandra and I got to spend an evening with Frank and Maggie in Dallas.  I'm glad I got to spend the time with him.  I was looking forward to spending time with again in Savannah.  I will raise a drink to his memory.  RIP Frank.  

[Bill Hughes]

To Mike Dobson:  The Sea Wolves banner that you send to Frank's nephew Christian was displayed during the post-burial reception held at the Old Post Inn in Mount Pleasant, SC.  Frank was buried in Mount Pleasant in a family plot, alongside his dad and "Momma B" as he called her.  The flag was posted on a display table, along with photos and plaques from his HAL-3 tour.  During a well done "open mic" period, Christian also provided an overview of the Sea Wolves' mission and some of the facts and stats that he had researched.  Bill Hughes

[Mike Dobson]

Thanks Bill, It was close timing on the flag arrival, but we pulled it off  .   RIP Frank !  

[Mike Timothy]

Flew with Mr. Butler on Det 8 69-70.  Nice guy, RIP Sir!