The Funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of Mr. Lacey Sherman Butler, Jr., 95, of Enid will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday May 6, 2017 in First United Methodist Church with Reverend Susan Southall officiating. Burial will precede services at 1:00 P.M. in Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home.
His strength, work ethic, and integrity inspired many. As a caretaker of the land, he helped feed Americans across two centuries, for over 70 years. He put out his last crop and sold his herd of cattle when he was 93.
Born on September 12, 1921 to Lacey Sherman Butler and Floy Lucille Bolenbaugh, Lacey Sherman Butler Jr. was not expected to live. However, the tenacity he displayed his entire life carried him past neonatal concerns. He attended Highland Country School, located NW of Waukomis, Waukomis Schools, and graduated from Enid High School in 1940. He attended Oklahoma State University but received his B.S. and his M.S. from Phillips University. His loyalty to O.S.U. ran strong.
Lacey served in the U.S. Air Force in the south Pacific stationed overseas for 38 months. He also served a short time in the Korean War. In 2015 he and his son, Sherman, took an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. honoring Veterans.
Lacey's first date with Mary McMillen, the great love of his life, was on December 22, 1945. They wed on January 25, 1946 and the four-week courtship began their love story which lasted for over 71 years.
He served on the Agriculture ASC Board and the Drummond School Board. He played a pivotal role in the integration of Drummond Public Schools. In addition to farming and ranching, Lacey was an Ag teacher for returning veterans after WWII. He also worked at Vance Air Force Base as an airplane mechanic.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary, son Dan of Louisiana, daughter Mary Kathryn Turner (Craig) of Blanchard, daughter Ann Worden (Randy) of Noble, daughter-in-law Glenace of Fairview and Kathie of Enid. They had seven grandchildren: Jennie Scott, Stacy Blattner (Jeff), Philip Butler (Casev), Matthew Turner (Amanda), Kacie Martin (Tyler), Mary Nemcock (Jeff), and
Sandy Worden. Twelve great grandchildren also brought him delight. He is also survived by sisters Barbara Boehs of Montana and Margaret Stevenson of Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lacey was preceded in death by his son Lacey Sherman Butler III, his parents Lacey and Floy Butler, and brothers Robert and James.
Lacey Butler was highly regarded for his intelligence, wit, and work. He passed away as a quiet man of God who deeply loved "his Mary."
Memorials can be made in his honor to the Salvation Army, Hospice Circle of Love, or a charity of the donor’s choice with Brown-Cummings Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds
Condolences can be made online to the family at WWW.Brown-Cummings.com.
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