Obituary of Robert E. Butts

Elmira: passed away on June 30, 2015 after a courageous battle with leukemia and kidney failure. Bob was born on September 19, 1938 to the late James and Frances Butts. He is also predeceased by his first wife, Marion (Schutt) Fields and their infant daughter Yvonne, and his in-laws Tom and Mary Maycumber. On May 28, 1973 Bob married Patricia Maycumber at St. Anthony's Church and together they celebrated 42 years of a wonderful married life. Bob is survived by his best friend, and wife, Pat; cherished "son" George (Becky) Fields III; cherished "grandson" George Fields IV; cherished "granddaughter" Roberta Fields; siblings, Richard (Rosemary) Butts, Marion Butts Ward and Carolann Butts Quick; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Bob was a veteran of the U S Air Force serving during the Cold War, 1955-1959. He was a retiree of Westinghouse with over 30 years of service. In 1961 Bob joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles and locally was a President and Trustee of F.O.E. #941, and a President and Eastern Regional President of New York State F.O.E. Bob was also a member of Elmira Elks Lodge #62. Bob loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed exercising daily on his treadmill, his computer and most of all golfing with his buddies in the Tuesday Morning Golf League at Mark Twain Golf Course. He enjoyed the trips he and Pat took to Florida, Las Vegas and the F.O.E. conventions. Bob was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church where he worked the yearly bazaar. He then went to St. Patrick's Church and finally St. Mary's Church, Southside. Calling hours will be at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Monday, July 6, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bob on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Southside. Interment, with committal prayers and military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. The family gratefully declines flowers and requests those wishing to remember Bob with a donation to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post NY 14870-9509, or St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira NY 14904. Sincere thanks to all who sent cards to Bob during his illness, to everyone on 3B and 4D who gave wonderful care to Bob at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, and to CareFirst who gave wonderful care to Bob, and support to Pat, at their home. May God bless all our family and friends for "being there" in our time of need.