Obituary: Jerry Butler of Toledo

Jerry Allan Butler, 70, longtime Siletz, Ore. resident, died of lung disease on Jan. 20, 2012 at his home.

He was born March 30, 1941 to Allan and Grace (Holder) Butler in DeQueen, Ark. As a young adult, he moved to Sweet Home, where he married Fredda May Rowley on Jan. 3, 1960. They were married 52 years.

Jerry attended Oregon State University and acquired a Master of Science degree in 1967. While attending OSU, he started his career in fisheries at the Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center when it opened in 1965. Jerry worked for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for 30 years, where he was of service to the state in fisheries management until his retirement.

He was a member of several organizations, such as Big Timber Gun Club, National Rifle Association, and his church, Calvary Baptist. Jerry loved hunting, shooting, fishing, and working in Calvary’s soup kitchen. After his retirement, he really got the opportunity to “feed the hungry” with his work in the soup kitchen. He did everything from cooking to cleanup, to managing the finances and especially greeting and visiting with those who came to eat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan and Grace Butler.

He is survived by his wife, Fredda; son, Bruce (Laurie) Allan Butler; daughters, Barbara (Daniel) Arlene Ballas and Bethanie Ann Butler; grandchildren, Patrick and James Butler, and Cheryl, Corey and Iain Ballas; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Bateman Funeral Home Chapel, 915 Yaquina Heights Dr. in Newport. A reception will follow in the community room at the funeral home.

Bateman Funeral Home is handling arrangements. (Courtesy Newport News-Times)

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