Richard L. Butler

Richard L. Butler, 66, longtime Moses Lake, resident passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at Summerwood Alzheimer's facility. At the time of death, Richard was surrounded by many of his children.

Richard, also known by many of his CB buddies as "Clodhopper", was born on Aug. 2, 1939 in Flat River, Mo., to the late Clyde Eugene and Gladys Fay (Reagan) Butler. He was the youngest of four children. He was raised in and spent much of his life in Missouri where he met his wife, Grace "Christine" Butler. They were married on December 24, 1960. Their 46 years of marriage brought them eight children, 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Richard worked as a welder/maintenance mechanic much of his life. He spent many of his working years employed locally with U & I Sugar, Northwest Sheet Metal and Busby's. He enjoyed tinkering with computers, electronics and CB/Ham radios.

Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his only sister, Doris (Butler) Alcorn of Leadwood, Mo.

He is survived by: his wife, Grace "Christine" Butler of Moses Lake; four daughters and four sons and their spouses, Richard and Maria Butler of Moses Lake, Sissy and Craig Williams of Moses Lake, Rebecca and Greg Orman of Renton, Henry and Tamara Butler of Ephrata, Michelle and Joe Jesse of Moses Lake, Tim and Kendra Butler of Port Townsend, Kim and John Forsberg III of Moses Lake and William and Marion Butler of Harker Heights, Texas; two brothers, Robert "Bob" Butler of Ozark, Mo., and William "Bill" Butler of Arnold, Mo.; 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Richard was a truly unique individual who always had a great story to tell. He will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2006 at El Sendero De La Cruz Church, 2227 W. Peninsula Drive in Moses Lake with Pastor Mike Alvarado officiating. Interment will follow in Pioneer Memorial Gardens with military honors by the United States Navy. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Friday, April 28 from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 29 from 8 a.m. until noon. Viewing will also take place at the church on Monday, May 1 from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.