Vernon Eugene Butler

Vernon Eugene Butler, 76, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Memorial Service will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Vernon Eugene Butler was born to Phyllis (Lukens) and Vernis "Buck" Butler in Burke, South Dakota on December 25, 1946. He graduated from Derby High School in 1964. After high school, Vernon enlisted in the Army and served in Korea and Fort Bliss, Texas as a Nike Missile Specialist and Electronic Instrument Technician. While serving in the Army he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and his Expert Rifle Medal. After serving in the Army, Vernon worked in the aircraft industry as an A&P mechanic.Vernon then served with the Sedgwick County Fire Department for 16 years, attaining the rank of Captain. In 1978, Vernon earned his Fire Safety and EMT certifications. After his career in the Fire Department, Vernon got his Commercial Driver’s License and worked for Werner as an OTR driver with Calvin, a family member. From 1996 - 2004 Vernon assumed many varied responsibilities with Reiger Medical Supply Company, including accounting, deliveries, electronics, and mechanics. In 2006, Vernon earned his CMA, and worked as a medical assistant at Memorial Home in Mound Ridge. Vernon then continued his education and earned his LPN in 2011 and was a Charge Nurse at Life Care Center of Wichita. He was especially proud of his daughter, Jean, when she completed her LPN license. Vernon was always curious and perpetually learning. The following are just some of Vernon's additional interests: he loved to read spy novels and historical books, especially those about World War II. He loved learning about guns, repairing and restoring old cars, woodworking, and even quilting. He loved to cook for family and friends, who raved about his lasagna and wild rice soup. Vernon loved coaching Special Olympics with his son, Justin, and studying the Bible in Disciple class with his wife, Linda. He was always ready to tell the stories of his adventures as a fire fighter. He had a great sense of humor and fully believed that Grandpas are there to help children get into mischief that they haven't thought of yet.Vernon was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis; his father, Vernis; and his brother, Chuck. He is survived by his wife, Linda; brother, Dell; sister, Karen; children, Jacob, John, Jean, Joan, Justin and Jason; and many grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Vernon enriched the lives of everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Nothing can take away the love we hold in our hearts for Vernon. His life was a blessing and our memories are a treasure.Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.