Obituary of Frank Ronald Butler

Butler, Frank Ronald. Born February 23, 1924. Passed away August 3, 2011. Beloved husband of Lorraine. Dearest father of Jeffrey, dear father-in-law of Dorothy, proud grandfather of Suzanne and Robert. Dear son of the late Joseph and Gladys (nee Stacey) Butler, the second of six children and eldest of three sons. Brother of Virginia Renter, Mary Jane Masinick, Gladys Chappell, Robert and the late Joseph. Also survived by many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit in January 1942, and entered the U.S. Army in October 1942. He married Lorraine Stavros in April 1943. While serving in Europe as a tank driver and radio technician with the 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron of the 11th Armored Division, part of General George Patton's Third Army, he was wounded in January 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge when shrapnel from a German mortar round sent shards from his helmet liner into the back of his head, neck and shoulders. He received a Purple Heart, continued with his unit through V-E Day, and returned to the U.S. in November 1945. He spent his career as an accomplished dental technician, first as an employee of three dentists at Jennings Hospital in Detroit, and later as the owner-operator of his own dental laboratory in St. Clair Shores. In his mid-sixties the shrapnel wound from the war limited his strength and mobility and forced him to retire earlier than planned. Contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane Society, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), or the Salvation Army. A celebration of his life is planned for a later date. Please sign Frank's guestbook at www.cremationmichigan.com