Robert C. Butler
ROBERT C. BUTLER, of Clinton, PA passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, March 4th, at the age of 97. Robert lived a full, rich life and will be missed deeply by those he leaves behind.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Esther Butler. Both were native to Kansas.
Robert was born at home in rural Chanute, Kansas in 1918. He attended and received a degree in Physics from the University of Ottawa, Kansas at which point he entered the newly expanding United States Weather Bureau. During World War II, he helped to coordinate early weather warning and recording stations along the east coast to assist in the country’s military defense plans. After the war, Robert moved to Pittsburgh to help establish the new National Weather Service office at the Pittsburgh International Airport, then under construction. Robert served 37 years in the Weather Bureau, eventually running the Pittsburgh office. Robert was the voice of the weather in Pittsburgh for some years, giving the noon weather report on the local radio stations.
Robert was a man of diverse interests and great abilities. An accomplished artist, he painted, drew, and designed throughout his life. He enjoyed woodcarving and woodworking and displayed a skill in it to match his professional accomplishments. An active and practical man, Robert enjoyed the nexus of art and skill that is involved in architecture. He designed and built several homes and building projects during his long life. A talented musician, Robert played in various musical groups in the Clinton area, and directed the South Side community choir, the Community Youth Choir, and served as the choir director at Hebron church for a number of years. Robert relished country living from his youth to his death, and took great pleasure in being an active small farmer. He enjoyed rural life and the daily routines that are involved in raising cattle.
Being civic minded, he and Esther were long time active members of Hebron Church in Clinton, where he was instrumental in designing and organizing a building expansion. He was also very active in the local schools. First, in the Murdocksville Independent school district, and then in the South Side school district, where he served on the School Board that originally organized the school. He later served as a retired volunteer in the elementary grades at South Side for more than 10 years along with his wife. He and Esther were members of the inaugural class of the South Side Hall of Fame, an accomplishment of which he was most proud.
A member of a large and long-lived family, Robert was the last surviving of three brothers and two sisters. He and Esther are survived by two accomplished sons, five grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, which he was able to see regularly. He will be terribly missed by his family, and the community that he endeavored to serve, will feel the want of his talents and abilities.
A memorial service for Robert will be held Sunday, March 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, and will be followed by a dinner with time to share memories.