Frank Shone Butler

Frank Butler
Richfield, Utah

Our beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend, Frank Shone Butler, 77, passed away February 21, 2022 in Richfield, Utah.  He was born February 12, 1945 in Waterloo, Iowa to Frank Estel Shone and Beverly Newren.  He grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where his father was playing professional baseball. Following the unexpected death of his father, his mother married Arthur Butler and the family moved to Colorado. They later moved to Southern California and then to Northern California where Frank graduated from Cupertino High School. He attended San Jose State where he received a Bachelors degree in Business. Frank married Cathyanne Hughes, later divorced. Married Vanez Christensen on March 24, 1990 in the Los Angeles Temple.

He began his military career by joining the AFROTC while attending San Jose State, graduating as a Second Lieutenant with distinguished honors. He attended pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma and then was assigned to March ARB, CA and to Castle AFB for SAC training in KC-135s. During the Vietnam War, Major Butler spent a total of 3 years flying out of Utapow Thailand into Vietnam and the Gulf of Tokin. During his time overseas, he received the Air Crew of the Year award for saving a B-52 over Guam. Major Butler and his crew took off in the middle of a tropical storm to make a save of the B-52 by refueling the B-52 until the storm passed over.  In 1975 Major Butler left active duty and joined the first Air Refueling Wing in the Air Force Reserve flying a new aircraft for the SAC community of a KC-10. He spent 20 plus years in reserve, flying and refueling logistic missions during Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Desert Shield. In 1987, Major Butler joined active duty personnel to take the AF Thunderbirds to the Far East for a goodwill tour. He and his crew were designated Thunderbird 25 as part of the Thunderbird team.

Frank had a strong work ethic and spent many years in the insurance and estate planning business for Beneficial Life, Midland National and North American. He was a partner in United California Business and Estate Planning. Frank was also a partner in Monarch Petroleum Company and Sunrise Petroleum. He spent many exciting years drilling for oil in Oklahoma. He owned Southwest Industrial Cleaning with his son, Shad. Frank loved fast cars, especially his red corvette.

Frank not only faithfully served his country, but also his community as a member of the School Board of Education for Moreno Valley Unified School District. He also served as president of Rotary and local baseball leagues. Frank was an avid and passionate baseball fan and coached leagues and high school teams for many years. Coaching and baseball brought immeasurable joy to Frank’s life. He always had advice to share with players in a gentle and helpful way. When his high school team won the regional championship and played for state in Angel Stadium, Frank was a happy man. He has enjoyed following the professional careers of several players he has coached.

Frank was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions of teaching and leadership. In 2020-2021, Frank and Vanez had the opportunity to serve a full time mission together in the Utah St. George Mission. They also were fortunate to serve in the Manti Temple together.  Frank loved serving in the Church and had a deep and abiding faith in and love of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Frank was most happy when he could spend time with his children and grandchildren. Often family times centered around sports, life event celebrations or just being together. Each of his children held a special place in his heart and he was so proud of the good people they have become. Frank was a confident and caring man that we will all miss.

Survived by his wife, Vanez; children: Shaun Butler, San Diego, CA; Shane (Julie) Butler, Pensacola, FL; Shad Butler, Moreno Valley, CA; Sheldon (Eunice) Butler, West Sacramento, CA; Sheree Butler, Phoenix, AZ; Shelby (Emily) Butler, Peoria, AZ; 11 grandchildren; siblings: Vicki Cooper, McKinleyville, CA; Fred (Marcela) Butler, Hollister, CA.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Don Cooper.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Richfield 5th Ward Chapel. Friends may call Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield and Tuesday at the ward chapel from 11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military honors by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Hill Air Force Honor Guard. Live streaming and online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com under Frank’s obituary. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

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