Obituary of Harold Butler

W. Harold Butler, 79, of the Collinston, LA area, passed away surrounded by his family at his home on Sunday, October 9, 2016. He was born on April 15, 1937, on his grandparents’ farm in rural Morehouse Parish near Collinston to W. Harold and Helen Rose (Johnston) Butler. While a teenager, his parents moved to Pueblo, Colorado. After graduating from high school, he attended Pueblo College where he studied air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, graduating with a degree in Applied Science. He later worked in Southern California, where he met his future wife, Donna L. Fink. They were married on Sept. 21, 1963, in Pasadena, California. After several years Harold, with his wife and young family, moved back to Louisiana. He worked as a private HVACR contractor before becoming an instructor at the Delta-Ouachita campus of Louisiana Technical College, teaching AC/Refrigeration. He retired from teaching after almost 20 years. He then worked in the solar industry for Solar Energy Supply of Monroe as Chief Training and Operations Officer. During his career, Harold received numerous trade certifications and honors. Harold and Donna enjoyed traveling, especially to visit their four children. They also visited Donna’s relatives in Germany, in addition to touring other European countries. They traveled to numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Canada. Often they traveled with other family members, as they relished time with family. Harold and Donna enjoyed gardening, their blueberry patch and friendships with their neighbors. Harold was preceded in death by his son Bruce A. Butler; he is survived by Donna, his wife of 53 years; James T. Butler (Kelley Anne), Martinez, CA; Deborah Butler Holland (John), Ft. Worth, TX; and Sharon R. Butler (husband, Jason Bernstein), Chicago, IL; three sisters: Helen Rose McDowell, Houston, TX; Rita Barrett, Encino, CA and Betty Butler, Las Vegas, NV; and grandchildren Jarrett Holland, Tristan Holland and Laya Butler in addition to several nieces and nephews. The family is appreciative and thankful for the professional, compassionate and loving care provided to Harold by Ascend Hospice of Monroe. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 5-8 pm at Golden Funeral Home, 2016 E. Madison Ave., Bastrop, LA 71220. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, October 13 at Carter Cemetery, 7901 Collinston Road, Collinston, LA. Please call Golden Funeral Home for exact directions if needed: 318-281-3171. Chaplain Randy Ray will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carter Cemetery Association, c/o Margaret Stokes (7904 Collinston Road, Bastrop, LA 71220) or to the charity of your choice.