Elmer Lee Butler

Elmer Lee Butler of Sulphur, Louisiana (better known as “Lee” or “PawPaw”) passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on August 1, 2014, following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allie Lee Butler; his mother, Grace Volino Butler; his stepmother, Alice Butler; and his sisters, Rita Ann Clifton, Wilma Nelson and Eloise (Gayle) Ashley. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Dixon Butler; his son, Edward (Linda) Butler; daughter, Velva (Wayne) Truax; his daughter, Deanna (Greg) Foreman; and his son, Brian (Donna) Butler, all of Sulphur. He is also survived by two sisters, Peggy (Bill) Sanders and Barbara (Vernon) Shelton, as well as a cousin, JoAnn (Bob) Harper and a special nephew, Al (Suzie) Ashley Jr. In addition he had 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Lee was born in Healdton, Oklahoma on April 24, 1923. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Iowa and he was most proud of the fact that he was on board the ship when it transported President Roosevelt to the Teheran Conference. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he met and married Helen Dixon on November 25, 1946. Together they moved to Sulphur, Louisiana where he worked for Cities Services Oil Refinery, After 35 years as an operator at the acid plant, he retired in 1982. He was a member of Houston River Baptist Church.

Lee was an avid fisherman and nothing pleased him more than to make a fishing trip with his sons (or daughters) or one of his good fishing buddies. He was also an expert gardener, and he always planted much more than his family needed or could use, so that he would have plenty to share with other family members or friends. He loved to fix things using spare parts he had salvage from a broken machine of some kind and had a shop full of things he knew he would one day find a use for. One of the things that he was known best for was his willingness to help anyone that needed it. His family was always his main concern and he taught the m to be honest, compassionate, and spiritual. Their care of him during his illness is testament to the fact that they learned from his wonderful example.

A special thank you to Dr. Jason Ramm and all the compassionate and caring nurses at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Cornerstone.

In lieu of floral tributes, donations may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief society, the Fisher House Foundation which helps military families in distress during times of illness, or the charity of your choice.

The funeral service will be held at 10am, Monday in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. The Rev. Lonnie Gothrup will officiate. Visitation will begin Sunday 4pm-9pm and resume Monday 8:30am until service time. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines South. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.