Charles E. "Chuck" Butler

Charles Edward (Chuck) Butler was born on May 13, 1958 in Cadillac, Michigan, the first of three children born to Linda Lou West and Charles Mahlon Butler. Michigan was his home for 42 years.

The joy of his life were his sons, Stephen, Nathaniel, Samuel and Gabriel. According to Chuck, when each child was born, the birth announcement said “another arrow in my quiver” referring to Psalm 127. He spoke of them often with much love and pride. He was also close to his sister Debbie and her husband Rick. There have been 9 step-children in his life who were important to him too and he enjoyed and loved them all very much.

Chuck excelled throughout his life in his many occupations and interests. The first of many talents became apparent when he played bass guitar in his first band gig at age 15. Besides his many musical accomplishments, he was Michigan State Champion Archer, achieved Rescue Diver level in SCUBA diving, bowled on leagues - once bowling a perfect 300 game, built and flew many radio control airplanes, and loved to hunt, fish and play golf.

Working at many jobs including a car factory, wood working shop, as an arrow builder, in a Christian Music band, as an ordained Minister, as a Paramedic, and Computer Hardware Specialist for a small hospital, in 1999 he was offered an opportunity he had dreamed of, to live and work in the west.

When the job offer came, things fell into place quickly and within a month he was living in Pocatello, Idaho. The first day on the job he met the redhead who was to become his 4th wife. Chuck and Kathleen (Mecham Criddle) were married September 28, 2001. They had many interests in common and he quickly became part of her extended family, sharing stories and entertaining at family gatherings.

Chuck's nearly 13 years in Pocatello were full of the adventures he hoped to find in the Rocky Mountain West. The first was finding God again and being baptized in the LDS church 4 months after arriving. He was never shy about his faith and found many occasions to share it with those who were struggling. Many invitations to speak and sing at firesides were accepted, followed by many callings and leadership positions. He continued his music, playing in Cedar Mountain Band and Transient and belonged to Eastern Idaho Aeromodelers and Pocatello Field Archers, serving as an officer in each club. By far his favorite experiences were those of steelhead fishing on the south fork of the Salmon River and hunting deer and elk with his hunting buddies. To those friends who provided those opportunities and shared those experiences, a profound and heartfelt thank you.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen , his mother of Michigan, father also of Michigan, sisters Debra (Rick) Atkins of New Jersey and Suzanne Emery of Michigan; sons Steve (Hillary) Butler of Australia, Nate Butler of South Carolina, Sam (Hannah) Butler of Michigan, Gabe (Ruthann, fiancé) Butler of Michigan, 4 grandchildren, step- children and grandchildren.

Chuck was the kind of person who touches your life in ways you can't describe. Everyone who met him was affected and everywhere he went he would run into people he knew. For those he has left behind, there will be an empty place in our hearts until we meet again. We love you and miss you Chuck!

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