Philip Butler

Philip C. Butler, 96, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at the Allen County Hospital. Phil was born August 26, 1916, in Iola, the son of Levi Franklin and Anna Jane (Bowers) Butler. He started school in Yates Center before the family moved to Iola by covered wagon. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and awarded two bronze stars. Phil married Marjorie Gilliland and they had one daughter before they divorced. On October 5, 1942, he married Emma M. (Dowell) Owen in San Antonio, TX. After he completed his service in WWII, they made their home in Kansas City. In 1949 they moved to a farm north of Gas and in 1952 they moved to their current home northwest of Iola. Emma preceded him in death February 1, 2002. Phil worked as a machinist for Fritz Auto in Iola for almost 40 years. He was a member of the Iola American Legion and the LaHarpe V.F.W. SURVIVORS: 4 Daughters: Vivian Michael, Margaret Robb, Judy Helman & husband, Don and JoAnn Butler all of Iola, Kansas 12 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren and 25 Great Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by 2 sons-in-law, Sterlin Michael and John Robb, 1 grandson, 2 great grandchildren, 5 brothers, Donald, Robert, Charley, Forrest and Glenn Butler and 5 sisters, Phyllis Raney, Mae Hastings, Betty Finley, Hazel Adkins and Doris Gervais. VISITATION: 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, prior to the funeral service. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL: The Philip C. Butler Memorial Fund Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .