Pastor William "Bill" Charles Butts

Pastor William “Bill” Charles Butts

The Reverend William “Bill” Charles Butts, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at Manor Care in Carlisle with his loving family and clergy by his side on Friday, February 2, 2018.  Bill was born on Monday, May 3, 1926 in Mahanoy City to the late Ernest Roy Butts and Elizabeth (Derricot) Butts.  In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Butts; and his sister, Ruth Langford.

Bill’s survivors include his loving wife of 41 years, Robinette Ann (Krammes) Butts; his two sons: James Butts and his wife, Cindy, of Enola, PA, Robert Butts and his wife, Eileen, of Lake Mary, FL; his step-daughter, Colette Eckert and her spouse, Judy Baumgardner, of New Cumberland, PA; his grandson, Robby Butts of Lake Mary, FL; and his step-grandson, Jason Birchfield of Shiremanstown, PA.

Bill graduated from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia as well as attending: Temple University, Gettysburg College and Muhlenberg College.  Bill was a proud World War II Veteran having served in the United States Navy.  He served in numerous Lutheran Churches during his career, including: St. Andrews in Summit Lawn, St. Matthews in Chester Springs, St. Matthews in Schuykill Haven, St. Paul in Summer Hill, St. Matthias of Carlisle Springs, St. Paul in Wertzville, and at various parishes throughout Central Pennsylvania as an interim Pastor following his retirement.  Bill also ministered to those in grief as a team member at Myers Funeral Home (now Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory) in Mechanicsburg.  He had a passion for art and was an especially talented cartoonist.  Bill will be deeply missed by his family and all of those who called him Pastor and friend.

All are welcome to join Bill’s family for his service on Saturday, February 10, 2018 starting at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Karen Durbin officiating.  Bill’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville where full military honors will be presented.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice and everyone at Manor Care in Carlisle who so lovingly cared for Bill.

Contributions in celebration of Bill’s life can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Bill’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bill’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.