Licerio “Lee” George Butacan, 81 of Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was born August 27, 1942, in Aparri Cagayan, Philippines to the late Santiaga (Agarpo) and Blas Butacan. As a toddler the family moved to Kauai, Hawaii. A few years after high school he joined the United Stated Army where he proudly served his country as an Army Veterinary Food Inspector. While in the Army he received a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and master's from Central Michigan University. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 27 years of service. Lee then began a second career as a Federal Import/Export Officer with the USDA. Some of Lee’s passions were traveling with June, swimming and all things water. He was a lifeguard instructor and loved to teach. One if his greatest passions was teaching hundreds of children how to swim. Lee is preceded in death by his parents Santiaga and Blas Butacan, brother Jaime Butacan, sisters, Carolina Valdez, Linda Bristol, and daughter-in-law Diana Nagle. He is survived by his loving wife June of almost 51 years and children; Lani Sue Horton (Michael), Joseph Nagle, Jason Butacan (Tiffany), and Jacob Butacan (Lauren) sisters; Isabel Speck and Visitation” Vee” Brittian, grandchildren; Jason Horton (Emily), Cathy Delgadillo (Nick), Victoria Tilton, Jada, Deuce, Joselin, Tinsley, Sawyer, Jameson and Emri Butacan.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Orange Park Methodist Church located at 2051 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL. After the Celebration, family will receive guests in the Family Life Center. A private Internment to be held at a later date at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the children’s and youth ministries at www.opmethodist.org Please wear bright, tropical, Aloha wear. No black this is a celebration of life. We want to carry on the ALOHA spirit that he loved and lived.
