Michael Butler

Michael Butler died Dec. 22 after a 5-year battle with bone cancer. He was 69 years old.

Butler worked for Livermore National Lawrence Laboratory, assigned to the Nevada National Security Test Site for more than 25 years, conducting nuclear testing and post-shot drilling during the 70s through the early 90s before returning to California to work at the National Ignition Facility, where he retired in 2005.

Butler was a decorated Army officer in the 101^st Airborne Rangers serving in the Vietnam War. After leaving officer candidate school he was deployed directly to Vietnam. Nearing the end of his Vietnam tour he was promoted to captain. He was a three-time recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor and Bravery in the acts of meritorious service. He also received the Army Commendation Medal for consistent acts of heroism or meritorious service, Army Soldiers medal for heroism, Army Good Conduct medal, Marksmanship National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, the Silver Star medal for Gallantry in battle, Special Forces and MAC V SOG Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations. 

Butler is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Terry Ann Butler of Livermore; two step-daughters and their husbands, Tara and Jason Wescott and Gillian and Eric Schuller; two sons, Eric and Ryan Butler; and mother, Rena Johnson; brother, Terry Butler; and sister, Sherry Lemberger. He was a devoted papa to his four grandchildren, Ryan, Rylee, Kaia and Tanner.

He will be placed to rest at the San Joaquin National Cemetery on Feb. 8, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.