RAYMOND EDWARD BUTLER, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur W. and Mary M. Butler. Loving brother of the late Margaret Oko (late Herbert) and Linda Corsi (formerly married to Cal); cherished uncle of Jeff Oko (Mary Beth), Kathi Powers (Paul), Thomas Okoben (Janet), Kevin Corsi (Chrissy), Carrie McCarthy (Tom), and Kristen Marsden (Britt); dear cousin to many.

Ray, affectionately known as Raymie, by his mom, spent most of his life in Garfield Heights, Ohio. His passion was farming, and he spent many summers helping Butler cousins with their farms. Ray graduated from Garfield Heights High School and began an extensive career as a tool and die maker. He worked alongside his two brothers-in-law, Herbie and Cal, in a small manufacturing company. He continued to work with his Butler cousins on their farms. He lived for a brief time at his favorite and best buddy, cousin Richie's farm. He served dutifully in the United States Army seeing active combat in Vietnam and had a strong love of country. Ray's other interests included boating and water skiing. He competed against his sister Linda to see who could stay up on the water the longest. Ray enjoyed camping in his Winnebago. He and family members traveled across the country. Ray enjoyed visiting military sites across the country. In November of 2022, he was selected to participate in Honor Flight Cleveland. This organization flew him to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials and monuments. He spent time at the Vietnam Wall and located the name of his friend who died while they were together in Vietnam. For many years, Ray was a member of the Richfield Senior Center. There with his friends he turned plastic grocery bags into mats. These mats were distributed to the homeless in the Cleveland area. Also, at the Richfield Senior Center he played many rounds of cards. Ray always enjoyed keeping his cousin, Patty, talking and texting while she traveled in her truck across northern Ohio. He enjoyed getting together with family at picnics, Christmas Eve at the roller rink, and monthly lunches with the cousins. He loved homemade chocolate chip cookies and would go anywhere to pick up freshly baked cookies.

Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Monica Catholic Church, 13623 Rockside Rd., Garfield Heights, Oh. 44125, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. VISITATION BEGINS AT 9:00 AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE AT CHURCH. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent in Raymond's name to support the efforts of The Honor Flight Cleveland, P.O. Box 119, Elyria, Ohio, 44035.

The Honor Flight Cleveland
P.O. Box 119, Elyria OH 44035
Web: https://honorflightcleveland.org/donations/