Farrell Butler

February 9, 1929 - May 8, 2016
Farrell Veloy Butler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully May 8, 2016. He was born February 9, 1929 to Richard Ellis and Clara Leone Butler at the family home in Grantsville.

Born and raised on a farm/ranch Farrell knew the value of hard work. It paid off as he (Fearless) and his high school buddies captured the State Basketball Championship two years running in 1946 & 1947. His athletic prowess proved to be just as good on the football field for GHS. He played one year for the U of U before serving his country in the Navy. He remained close throughout his life to all his friends in his 1947 GHS graduating class.

Farrell learned his vocation while serving in the Navy, becoming an avionics electronic technician. After completing his military service he married the love of his life, Martha Jean Hicks, on July 23, 1951. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1958. He and his young family lived in Seattle WA while he worked for Boeing Aircraft. Eventually they returned to Grantsville where he worked for Hercules in the Aerospace Industry until he retired in 1992.

Most important to Farrell were his family, church and community. He supported his many children and grandchildren in all their activities. “Do Your Best” was his motto. He was a true Grantsville Cowboy and U of U Ute thru and thru. He served faithfully in the LDS Church as Bishop, Stake High Councilman and many other positions. He and Martha were founding directors of the Grantsville Family History Center, Served a Mission at the LDS Employment Center in Tooele and were Temple Workers. He was grateful to serve in whatever calling given him.

Humble, gentle, kind and loving are the words that best describe Farrell. A pillar of strength to all that knew him, he led in many capacities by example. Those who knew him cherished his friendship dearly.

The joy of his life was music. Whether at the Deer Hunter’s Ball, Father & Sons, or the Old Time Fiddlers, he loved to play his guitar and harmonica. The grandchildren loved to sing and dance when grandpa played his guitar! He had a special talent of bringing family and friends together with his music!

Farrell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha; his children, Wayne (Jeannine), Linda Christiansen (Steve), Bob (Belinda), Curt (Pam), Jolene Droubay (Scott), John (Marjorie) and Christie Carlson (Todd). He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, his sister Leila Riding and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 siblings, and a nephew Raddie, whom he raised as a son.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016, 12 pm at the LDS Chapel, 428 South Hale Street in Grantsville. Visitations will be on Wednesday, May 11 from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday from 10-11:30 p.m. prior to services at the same location. Interment will be at Grantsville City Cemetery. A special thanks to the staff at Diamond Jane’s for their loving care of our father. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial, 435-277-0050.