Ralph Eugene "Gene" Butler, Jr., 77, of Williamstown, WV died Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at The Arbors at Marietta. He was born November 16, 1932 in Williamstown to Ralph E. Butler, Sr. and Louise Price Butler Johnson. He was a graduate of Mobile, AL High School. Gene was a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served a total of 21 years. He had been a POW in Vietnam for three months. While serving in the Air Force he had received the Bronze Service Star, the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was an electrician, working on Communication and Crypto systems' equipment. He had also worked as a clerk for the Williamstown Post Office, retiring following 17 years of employment. He had been baptized at the Williamstown First Baptist Church. He was a member of BPO Elks Lodge #477, Marietta, American Legion Post 159 in Williamstown and the VFW Post 5108 in Marietta. Gene was an avid golfer and had celebrated two holes in one. He also enjoyed working at the Golf Club of West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Libby" Gabbert Butler, two sons, Ralph E. "Gene" Butler, III and Eric Arnold Butler, both of Williamstown, and two sisters, Maureen Booth (Al) of San Antonio, TX and Sandy Vance (Larry) of Austell, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step father, Maurice Johnson, and a brother, Charles "Bud" Butler. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2010, at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with full military rites being observed. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Following his services, he will be cremated and his ashes will be buried in Riverview Cemetery, Williamstown. Donations may be made to American Legion Post 159, 100 Central Ave., Williamstown, WV 26187.
