Retired Senior Master Sgt. David Allen Butler, 63, air quality control Inspector for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and retired senior master sergeant of the Kansas Air National Guard, passed away at home surrounded by family after a long courageous battle with cancer Feb. 13, 2021.
David started his very full life on Oct. 3, 1957, in Ames, Iowa. He moved around a lot during his youth and graduated high school in 1976 in Plattsburg, Missouri. After high school, he attended the University of Dubuque and obtained a degree in biology and environmental science. During this time, he worked at the family hardware store and was active in Greek life, where he met lifelong friends at Mu Sigma Beta fraternity.
But most importantly, during his time at college he met Beth, the love of his life. He graduated in 1981 and moved to western Kansas in 1982. There he began his long career with the state of Kansas in the Agriculture Department and started his journey as a loving husband Sept. 4, 1982. He worked there for three years and then moved to Wichita to continue his career with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as an air quality inspector.
He joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 1986, where, during his 30-year career, he got to enjoy his love of traveling and working on planes. He retired in 2016 with the rank of senior master sergeant.
During that time, David and Beth had two wonderful sons. He was very active at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and was an active participant in the annual church garage sale. David was also a leader for Boy Scout Troop #614. Even after both of his sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout, he remained active serving the troop and council. During Daves free time he enjoyed fixing up his classic cars, repairing anything that needed fixed, and always found time to lend a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Sandra Butler. Survivors include his beloved wife, Beth; sons, Matthew (Madelynn) and Kevin; brother, Dale Butler; sister, Sarah (Mike) Marrant; sister-in-law, Jane (Harold) Mohr; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Mt. Vernon UMC, 5701 E Mt. Vernon St., Wichita KS 67218; Boy Scout Troop #614, 5701 E Mt. Vernon St., Wichita KS 67218; and Kansas Honor Flight, 401 W 1st Ave., Hutchison KS 67501.
A memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. The service will also be live streamed through Wichita Mt. Vernon United Methodist Churchs Facebook page. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Broadway Mortuary.