BUTLER, John Adams

John Adams Butler, 90, of Yuma, Arizona, entered into eternal life on March 4th, 2004. He was born July 3, 1913, in Hubbard, Arizona, the eldest of 11 children born to Will and Mary Butler. Growing up, he loved to sing and play the guitar, and he gained notoriety playing the guitar in a band named "The Nighthawks." After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Helen Peterson, in 1933, he and Helen moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. A few years later, the family moved to Phoenix and Johnny learned carpentry. Eventually settling in Yuma during the war years, he was one of only two licensed building contractors in town. Johnny operated his own business, Butler Roofing and Insulation, for over 25 years, before retiring in 1968. During this time, Johnny built many homes and commercial buildings, including structures at the Yuma Test Station (YPG) and what is now MCAS. The original O'Malley Smith Lumber Company building was one of Johnny's first projects in Yuma and he also provided roofing for such large projects as Arizona Western College, Yuma Mesa Shopping Center and Parkview Baptist Hospital. Johnny was active in many early Yuma civic clubs such as the Jaycees, 20/30 Club, Lifetime Member of the Elks Club, the Yuma Golf & Country Club, Boy Scouts of America and the LDS Church. He was a prolific hunter and fisherman, evidenced by having Butler Hole in the Imperial Wildlife Refuge named after him. Johnny was also one of the early Yuma pioneers to sportfish in the Gulf of California, making countless trips to his place in San Felipe, Mexico. In addition to all of his other achievements, he was a devoted husband, family man and the best dad ever! He was always ready to entertain by singing and playing his guitar at church functions, family reunions or any other event and will be lovingly remembered by all those that knew him as "Uncle Johnny." During his retirement, Johnny perfected his secret recipe for award-winning beef jerky. Johnny is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Helen, his five children, Gloria (Lee) Ferrin of Garden Grove, California; Kent (Lois) Butler, of Morro Bay, California; Linda Adsit of Santee, California; Lenore (George) Barrientos of Mesa, Arizona; and Bill Butler of Yuma, Arizona. Johnny leaves 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Other family members include sisters, Della Hanna of Harlingen, Texas; Ruth Anna King, of Las Vegas; and, brother Dennis Butler, of Payson, Utah. He was preceded in death by brother Ruben (Maureen) Butler; Theda (Wilton) Lines; and Louise (Lavoy) Morris. Visitation was held at Johnson Mortuary. Memorial Services were held at the LDS Stake Center at 4300 W. 16th Street. Donations may be made to the ASU Scholarship Fund in the name of John and Helen Butler. Published in the Arizona Republic from 3/7/2004 - 3/8/2004.