Frank Dewayne Butcher

Frank “Skip” DeWayne Butcher of Silverdale, WA passed away, Monday February 5, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born September 30, 1948, in Colorado Springs, CO, where he spent several memorable years of his early childhood enjoying time with his Grandparents Frank and Ethel Young and his favorite Aunt Daisy. Skip was inspired by his grandfather to love the outdoors, to be fanatical about fishing and even learned a bit about farming and raising cattle. He lived his pre-college years in Chanute, Kansas. His senior year of high school, Skip moved with his parents and 3 siblings to Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduation, Skip spent the next four years at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman, OK, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1972, Skip married Carol Marie Mead. After Carol graduated from OU with a degree in nursing and a commission in the US Navy Nurse Corps, the Butchers spent the next 24 years experiencing military life and duty stations that took them to Oakland, CA, Guam (2), Great Lakes, Il, and eventually retiring in Bremerton WA.

While overseas Skip completed his master's degree in secondary education, and taught social studies and coached sports at Barrigada Jr High, Agana, Guam. They traveled to many Asian Countries and adopted their first child, Sarah Irene (1977) in Seoul, South Korea. They left the Navy shortly before the birth of their second daughter Emily Marie (1978) residing in Tulsa, OK. There he loved teaching high school history and economics to enthusiastic students. He also assisted coaching the girls' volleyball team. In 1981 they resumed their Navy life and were blessed with their third child Andrea Suzanne (1987), Great Lakes, Il.

Their last set of orders took the Butcher family to Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA. It was in Bremerton that Skip decided to change careers and began a 30-year successful career in Residential Real Estate. He completed several certifications in Residential Real Estate and Real Estate Law

Skip was an avid golfer, reader, loved fishing, attending the local annual car and boat shows, grilling for family barbeques, was a dedicated sports fan including a loyal Boomer-Sooner OU football fan. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and his smile and laughter would light up a room. Skip never missed an opportunity to help all of his family and friends with something as simple as recommending the best vacuum cleaner, the most reliable car, how to make reasonable investments, or Mother’s Day waffles, being available to house or pet sit, to renting or purchasing a home. But most obvious was how proud Skip was of his three beautiful daughters, and the amazing women they had become. He loved them with all of his heart and soul.

Skip met Patti Rothenberg in 2003 while helping her parents and Patti settle into the Bremerton Narrows Condo complex. Skip was the president of the Narrows Homeowners Association (HOA) and as their HOA President and go-to expert for over 20 years, it was destiny that he and Patti would develop a lifelong love for each other. Driving was a favorite pastime. Skip loved taking road trips with Patti to visit his daughters and grandchildren. They enjoyed spending time at the ocean, especially Canon Beach, WA. He also enjoyed a lifetime of caring for pets, dogs, cats, and his prize goldfish. Hummingbirds were drawn to Skip and he enjoyed countless hours watching their antics around their patio feeders.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, 2nd LT Osborne Dewayne (O.D.) Butcher, Jr. (who nicknamed Skip his “little Skipper") and his Mother Betty Lou Young (Latimer). Skip forever missed his baby daughter, Kathleen Ann who passed away at birth, August 20, 1983, Great Lakes, IL.

Skip is survived by his sweetheart and life partner Patti Rothenberg, his former wife and friend Carol Mead Butcher and three daughters: Sarah Irene Butcher (partner Michael), Emily Marie Drake (Spouse Jesse), Andrea Linzman (Spouse Gib), his three grandchildren, Eloise Mary Drake - 9yrs, MaryIla Jo Linzman - 5yrs and Micah Waylon Linzman - 22mos. Skip is also survived by his older sister Becky Cassel of Oklahoma City, OK; younger brothers Garry (Spouse Jennifer) of Colorado Springs, CO; Bruce (spouse Vicki) of Owasso, OK. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephew; Stacy and Courtney (Becky); Matt and Mollie (Garry) and Kim and Lindsey (Bruce); their spouses and children. In addition, Skip is survived by sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marty Mead of Sequim, WA; Diane Mead of Albuquerque, NM and John Mead (Spouse Mei Chian) of Cedar City, UT.

The family would like to thank his wonderful network of friends and co-workers with whom he enjoyed numerous pastimes and for those that provided care, compassion and support during his recent illness.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Miller Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park at 1030 on February 20, 2024.

Interment to follow at Miller Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Skip’s honor to your favorite local charity.