Robert Kenneth Butler Jr.

Robert Kenneth Butler Jr, “Bob,” age 72 of Aurora, CO passed into the loving arms of his Savior on April 20, 2021. He was a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Zoology and later received masters degrees from Gonzaga University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. While attending Texas Tech, Bob met the love of his life, Karla Pannell, and they married in Abilene, TX on his birthday, November 11, 1972. Their life together consisted of adventures moving across the country as Bob eagerly and valiantly served his country in the United States Air Force. Eventually they settled in Abilene, TX while Bob served as a navigator and electronic warfare officer in the B-52s and B-1 bombers. He always said his time in the Air Force was his dream job. He loved serving his country and eventually retired as a Lt. Col. after 24 years of service. Bob was a member of Broadview Baptist church in Abilene where he was saved and baptized.

Bob and Karla raised 4 children: Brett, Sara, Andy, and Eric. He was a loving, involved father who coached sports teams, built treehouses, and played backyard soccer with his children. No matter what kind of day he had at work, he always made time in the evenings to throw a baseball or play a game of basketball in the driveway. Bob was a man of faith, and his relationship with Christ only grew deeper and stronger as he battled heath issues the last ten years of his life. He had a contagious, boisterous laugh and a gregarious personality that truly lit up any room he was in. Those closest to him saw that his joy for life came from a heart of deep gratitude. Bob cherished holidays and time with family. He truly loved people and saw humor in even the most dire circumstances he faced.

Perhaps most of all, Bob devoted his life to his beloved wife, Karla. They were best friends in every sense of the word, and he set a wonderful example of what a husband and father looked like to his children. He loved being a Papa to his grandchildren and often told them of adventures of his childhood growing up around the world as his own father served in the Air Force. If you were lucky, you might hear bits and pieces of stories of snorkeling off the coast of Okinawa, Japan among sunken WWII ships and planes, walking barefoot on the sandy streets of Tripoli to the Mediterranean Sea, spending summers in Colorado Springs catching polliwogs with buckets, or working at a pineapple plantation in Hawaii after he graduated high school. Bob lived a full, vibrant life and left a lasting impact on anyone he crossed paths with.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Butler, his younger sisters, Jan Keller and Karen Mejia, his brother-in-law, Brent Mejia, and his sister-in-law, Debbie Pannell. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Karla, and his legacy will be forever cherished by his children: Brett and Karley Butler of Prosper, TX, Sara and John Smith of Parker, CO, Andy Butler of Nashville, TN, and Eric and Tara Butler of Lawton, OK. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Leide Butler and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Pannell. Bob loved his nephew, Matthew, and his neices: Summer, Brandi, Kindel, Jennifer, and Michele. He was known as “Papa” to Caden, Walker, Landry, Ella, Ryder, Bennett, Conlan, Ivy, Piper, Hallam, Rionach, Auduiccah, Mearnah, and Nashua.

His faith has now become sight, and his family draws strength from the fact that they will all be reunited with him one day. In lieu of flowers, please consider registering to be an organ donor on the national organ donor registry.

“The people who influence us most are not those who buttonhole us and talk to us, but those who live their lives like the stars in heaven and the lilies in the field, perfectly simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mould.” - Oswald Chambers