- Date Of Birth: August 27, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 5, 2021
- State: Colorado
Ray Du Buois Butler Jr. nickname “Red” passed away at his home on March 5, 2021. He was born on August 27, 1927 to Ray and Louise Butler in Denver. He had one older brother Harold. All his life was spent in the Denver and Littleton area. He told us about living on Alamo Street in old Town Littleton and the many jobs he had growing up. At the young age of 17 in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Siboney CVE 112. Cruising the pacific seeing Guam, Philippines and Japan. After serving 3 years in the Navy when he returned he went back and finished his high school education, graduating in 1948 from Littleton High School.
He had many jobs in his lifetime, driving a Semi and then working for Samsonite for 35 years. He was a Co-Owner of the Country Palace dinner and dance hall on Santa Fe in the 1970’s. Upon retiring from Samsonite, he still wanted to keep busy so he worked at the Patio Liquor Store on Santa Fe until its closer.
Even though he did not get a chance to go to college, he was an avid reader and very knowledgeable about anything and everything. Even being 93, he was still reading and telling us facts and he kept up with all the current events.
In Ray’s 93 years, he had many friends and to him everyone was a friend. Making friends with any one, he met along life’s journey. He always tried to put a smile on anyone’s face by his many stories and his famous jokes.
Ray loved sports especially Baseball and Football, attending Bronco and Rockies games. He would still listen to baseball games on his radio. On some Saturdays, you could find him going to Centennial Race Track when it was still in operation.
He is survived by his daughter Alicia Samuelson (Greg) of Yampa Colorado, Grandson Cody Samuelson (Victoria) of Kalispell Montana, Granddaughter Kaycee Sidwell (Tyrel) of Eaton Colorado, Granddaughter Kelsey Monger (Kyle) of Hayden, Colorado. Great Grandchildren Jordan, Kara, Paisley and Taylor Sidwell of Eaton Colorado, Sister in Law Leone Hay of Ft. Steele Wyoming. Niece Marie Smith ( Dale) Billings, Montana, Niece Marji Gilbert ( Gary) Ft. Steele Wyoming, sister In-law Dorothy Everist, and Niece Jeannie Childress Las Vegas, Nevada. Great Nephews Elijah and Isaac Gilbert, Ft. Steele Wyoming. Many more great nephews and nieces. Special extended Family Gene and Charlotte Samuelson, Nick, Brittany, Thaddeus, Skylar and Alexia Knight of Indian Hills Colorado. His Special Neighbors Glen and Mandi, dear Friend Barbara Mangino.
He was proceeded in death by His wife Jean Catherine Hay of 52 years, son Gary Ray Butler, his brother in laws John Hay and Verlin Everist, his parents Ray Butler, Louise Williams, and in Laws Alice and John Hay, and Brother Harold.
