COLUMBUS
Charles “Frank” Butler Jr., 73, of Moonlight Court, passed away at 10:20 a.m., February 10, 2018, at Greenwood Health and Living.
Frank was born May 12, 1944, in Bloomington, the son of Charles F. and Norma Jean Harden Butler.
At the age of 13, he met and fell in love with his junior high school sweetheart, Nancy Louise Strong. They were married March 22, 1964.
Frank went to grade school at Taylorsville Elementary, the old Garfield school, and the old Jefferson school. He also attended Central Junior High School, Columbus North High School, the University of Louisville, as well as the F.B.I. National Academy.
Frank was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving in the 2nd Division, 2nd Battalion, “E” Company, 2nd Marines from 1962 to 1966. He was stationed on the USS Oriskany, CVA-34 from 1963 to 1965, and then was stationed at Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina as a trainer and military police officer.
Upon returning from the service, Frank worked for Public Service Indiana and then worked for the Columbus Police Department for 26 years. During that time, he held every position, from patrolman to chief of police.
Frank was instrumental in starting the S.W.A.T. Team, the physical fitness program, sending 23 officers through Ko’s Martial Arts Academy, of which he was a Sixth Degree Master Instructor.
After retiring from the police department, Frank worked for Bartholomew County Building and Zoning as a zoning officer.
Frank was a member of First Christian Church since the age of 14, was previously vice president of the Indiana Professional Police Officers Association, and was a master pistol instructor for the NRA and the IPFTA.
He loved being outdoors, enjoying big game hunting in Wyoming, fishing in Canada, as well as Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Frank is survived by his wife; sons, Scott Butler and Brian (Cerrie) Butler, both of Columbus; one grandson, Zachary Butler; and brothers, Ronald Butler of Danville and Joe Butler of Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at Columbus Regional Hospital, St. Francis Hospital in Southport, and Greenwood Health and Living for the care they provided Frank.
Cremation is planned with a private graveside service at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.
