Eldon "Butch" Plotner Jr.

Known as “Butch”, Eldon Lee Plotner, Jr., was born in Springfield Missouri, July 29, 1946, to Waunda (Scroggins), and Eldon Lee Plotner, Sr. Raised in Lawndale, California he finished his senior year, graduating from San Pedro High School in 1964. Soon after graduating, Butch enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years in Germany. Butch was deployed in 1966, to Vietnam and served proudly as member of the “Big Red 1,” Combat Engineer Unit, in demolition and construction. He retired from the Army in 1967, due to a bulldozer accident that crushed both his legs, later losing his left leg below the knee. An amputee wearing a prosthesis over 55 years, Butch worked and retired from house painting after 20 years; the last 12 years of that were at the Westward Ho Hotel and Casino, where he met his wife, Eleanor.

Butch always greeted folks with a great smile and warm personality, honest, and caring. He was a well-known, and highly respected advocate for all disabled people; an inspiring role model and motivator, not only to amputees or the disabled, but everyone he met. A father figure and mentor to our extended family of young men and women. After retiring, he spent 35 years volunteering. In 1989, he founded the “Amputee Support Group of Southern Nevada”, serving as its President for 18 years and at one point had 70 members. He formed the First Hospital Visitation Team, visiting local hospitals and talking to patients who faced amputation of a limb, or who had lost their limbs, due to accident or medical problem, encouraging them not to give up hope and to live full, active lives.

Butch (Eldon) is predeceased by his father, Eldon, Sr., mother, Waunda and sister, Belinda. He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor of 38 years; brother, Ronald Plotner (Anne); daughter, Sherry (Merritt); son, Michael (Katherin); grandsons, Josh (Kelsey) and great granddaughter Andie and another grandson Jeremy; 10 nieces, 11 nephews, and countless friends in every facet of his life, who loved and admired him.

Butch was very spiritual and loved the Lord. He ushered 5 years at his church C.C.G.V., enjoyed Men’s bible study, serving ladies at the Christmas Tea and painting scenery for Vacation Bible Study.

Butch volunteered for 18 years for L.V.M.P.D, ticketing as Handicap Parking Monitor, as McGruff the crime Dog, and as a McCarran Airport VIVA greeter. He volunteered at Tour University and UNLV to train physical therapists to work on amputees. He was an active bowler, managed and coached L.L. Baseball, and chaperoned with Cub Scouts. Butch also took joy in camping, fishing and growing hot peppers to make his own special hot sauce, which was enjoyed by a long list of friends, including servers at the restaurants he frequented. It was made with love and given freely.

He was a faithful and thankful servant, who didn’t let his disability define him or hold him back from a full and happy life. Butch will be missed by so many including his cat GreyBoy and his hummingbirds.

Following the memorial service on Friday, March 10th at 12:30 pm, there will be visitation at Eleanor and Butch’s house.

Following the interment service on Monday, March 13th in Boulder City, there will be visitation at Eleanor and Butch’s house at 2:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Cat Coalition of Clark County or any animal charity of your choice, Wounded Warriors or a Veteran outreach program of your choice.

Community Cat Coalition of Clark County PO Box 570683 | Las Vegas, NV | 89157-0683 |