Trenton Joel Butner's Obituary
Trenton Joel "Joe" Butner, 89, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, while in the care of Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janis; two sons, Robert Joel (Joe), his wife, Susan, and Jeffrey David (Jeff). He is also survived by a grandson, Matthew Joel, and his wife, Adrian; and granddaughter Kristie Joy. He was preceded in death by his father, Joel Columbus; mother Locia Fay; sisters Margarie Hines and Marylynn Johnston; and a brother, Nile Barger.
Trenton was born in Windfall, Ind., on Oct. 16, 1924. His family moved to Anderson, Ind., soon after his birth. He graduated from Anderson High School and Anderson College Theological Seminary.
After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He graduated from parachute school in Fort Benning, Ga. During his service, Joe received the Army of Occupation Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Following his service overseas, Joe returned home to Indiana. There he met Jan while working as a college school bus driver. They were married soon after, on Sept. 1, 1956, in Jan’s family home in Baileysville, W.Va.
Joe re-entered the armed forces by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he held numerous military occupational specialties. Joe was a paratrooper, served in Army security and also in the U.S. Army Computer Systems Command. During his Army career, he received the Service Commendation Medal by the Department of Defense for meritorious service in the performance of his duties.
While in the Army, Joe and Jan were stationed in the Philippines and Germany during the 1960s. They loved the Philippines and have many fond memories of Clark Air Force Base. While stationed in Germany they toured nearly every country in the European continent and most all historical landmarks.
Joe served one year in Vietnam for which he received the Joint Service Accommodations Medal from the Department of Defense.
Following his exemplary military career, Joe joined the National Guard Bureau in Virginia, where he worked as a programmer for 15 years.
In civilian life, Joe was frequently sought after as a substitute teacher in Spotsylvania County. The students fondly called him "Mr. B."
He was a regular blood donor throughout his lifetime; The American Red Cross recognized him for donating 81 pints of blood.
Joe was also a faithful member of the church wherever he and Jan were stationed throughout their marriage. He not only brought his tithes to the Lord, he also gave his time. He was a member of First Christian Church of Fredericksburg for 20 years. During this time he served in the church as a board chairman, worship chairman and served in the offices of elder, deacon, clerk and treasurer. He also served as a Sunday school teacher.
After his second retirement from the National Guard Bureau, Joe and Jan moved to Ocala, Fla., where they were active in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church. Joe worked for the Census Bureau and traveled hundreds of miles going door-to-door to collect data for the state of Florida. He also worked at the local Pizza Hut because he enjoyed working with young people and also enjoyed the food.
Joe and Jan then moved to Crab Orchard, W.Va., where they attended Crab Orchard Baptist Church. As was Joe’s custom, he quickly became immersed in church life. He was active in Men’s Fellowship and numerous mission trips. Joe worked for the State of West Virginia Employment division. He oversaw the testing of newly hired state employees.
Over the course of his life, he was a member of various organizations: the Optimist Club, the Lions Club, the Masons and the Scottish Rite. He was a dear friend to many; his face lit up every room he entered.
Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved his wife, Jan, and took particular delight in lavishing her with things he knew she enjoyed consistently throughout their marriage. Joe enjoyed his Jan’s cooking and always bragged about her to all their friends. Joe loved his two sons with the proper balance of discipline and mercy, providing for them always. Joe’s two grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy to him. His face would light up every time they were near or came up during conversation.
He was known for his thoughtfulness and kindness to the elderly in the church. He never had a meal that he did not pray over. No one ever heard foul language from him. Joe never met a stranger. He possessed a vast resource for facts and world events and always answered nearly every question on Jeopardy. He spoke in German and Tagalic. He possessed a voracious appetite for reading and kept a stack of good books nearby. He loved automobiles and car shows, pointing out all the ones he used to own. Joe loved going for rides in the country with his family in the car. He never worried or had his feelings hurt that anyone could tell. All that knew him benefited from his life and loved and respected him.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service which will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Fairview Baptist Church with Dr. Robert W. Sizemore and Pastor Willard Sawyer officiating.
Burial will be private in Quantico National Cemetery with military honors.
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