Donald Butcher

Donald P. Butcher was born October 10, 1934 in Ardmore, OK to the late Jay S. and Jessie (Kent) Butcher. Don grew up in Ardmore and was a member of the 1953 graduating class at Ardmore High School, where in the 2003 Criterion he was described as “Our Rembrandt … kept our halls aglow with his friendly smile as well as his beautiful posters … instrumental in production of plans and parties.” After high school, Don attended Oklahoma A&M University (now OSU) in 1953 and 1954, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma for 1955 through 1957. He took a two-year interlude from his studies to serve honorably in the US Army at Fort Lewis, WA in 1958 and 1959, where he continued using his architectural and construction skills to help construct a new facility on the base. After his military service, he returned to OU, earning his BA of Architecture in 1962. After a 3-year internship, he passed the state architectural licensing exam on his first try in 1965, eventually becoming licensed in 27 states during his lifetime. He lived in Tulsa, working and building a family until 1987, when he returned to Oklahoma City for a fresh start after his divorce, working for the City until his retirement in 2007, first as a planner at the Department of Airports, and then as #2 in the City’s Metropolitan Area Projects Service (MAPS) office. He also began a private practice and consulted on small projects both before and after his retirement. Most notably was his work designing the “new” look of Sonic drive-in restaurants and reviewing construction plans for new or renovated restaurants across several states. Some of his favorite times were spent flying as he obtained his private and commercial pilot license, flying single and multi-engine land and sea planes, and he remained active in pilots’ social groups after his retirement. Sailing was probably his most enjoyable pastime in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa where he entered races and most recently owned a Catalina 25, docked at Lake Hefner. Don entered into eternal life in his home on August 19, 2011. He is survived by two sons, Eric Butcher and wife Elena, of Las Cruces, NM and Greg Butcher and companion Paula, of Carlsbad, CA; his brother, Bob Butcher and wife Nita of Kennewick, WA; and three grandchildren, Sky (16) and Dakota (13) Butcher of Fairbanks, AK (Eric’s sons), and Kasey Butcher (11) of West Bend, WI (Greg’s daughter). He also leaves behind innumerable friends and acquaintances who universally comment on his cheerful smile, his big heart, and his fun-loving, friendly and sincere nature. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Bill Merritt Memorial Chapel.