Obituary of William Butler

William Albert Butler was born in Ecorse, Michigan on September 17, 1934. He was one of three children born from the union of William Butler and Irene Evelyn (Richter) Butler. He was a 1952 graduate of River Rouge High School. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably from 1953 until 1972. Bill worked for Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse for more than twenty-five years. He worked in security retiring in 1999. Bill was an avid storyteller; he could entertain others for hours. He loved the mountains of Tennessee, and enjoyed staying there with his grandmother every summer. He loved traveling, visiting all fifty states and many foreign countries, including traveling Japan by train in his Navy days. Bill was a former member of the Carleton VFW Post. He loved to socialize. Bill was a die-hard Tiger fan and also liked watching the Lions and Red Wings. He enjoyed being around the water with his beloved Mary, and they enjoyed watching the sunset. Bill married the former Mary (Martin) Thompson of April 17, 2007 in Chicago. William Albert Butler, age 78, of Carleton passed away at 7:43pm, Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to his parents passing, he was preceded by his former wife: Hisae, and his wife: Wanda, and one son: Timothy J. Butler in 1998. To cherish his memory, William leaves a loving wife: Mary of Carleton; two children: William (Michelle) Butler II of Grosse Ile and Irene Finn of Wyandotte; three step children: Callistia (Michael) Pipis of Monroe, John Eric (Charlene) Thompson of Clarkville, IN, and Toby Duane (Jayme) Thompson of Louisville, KY; one sister: Patricia (Don) Herrmann of Grosse Ile; one brother: James (Devon) Butler of Grosse Ile; ten grandchildren: William A. Butler III, Ryan Paul Finn, Sophia and Helena Pipis, Tiffany (John) Bussell, Christopher Thompson, Brittany Thompson, Kalvin Thompson, Jayda Thompson, Jayne Thompson; and one great grandchild: Madilyn Bussell. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, September 27 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Friday, September 28, also at Merkle's. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock for burial. Memorials for those who desire are suggested to Disabled Veterans of America. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com. .