Billy Butler

Born in Kerrville, Texas on April 13, 1931 to Gertrude Ann (Holliman) Butler and Charles Drew Butler. Billy died for his Country as a Prisoner of War at Camp Hofong North Korea, Jan 27, 1951. Billy's parents received a 'Battle Casualty Report' Jan 3, 1951 reporting PFC Billy Joe Butler as MIA, however, it would be November 9, 1953, before Billy's family would be notified of his death and even then, their son would not be returned home.

April 29, 2019, the US Army Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory, through channels, contacted Billy's oldest, surviving family member, sister, Ellen Chipman. Billy's remains had been identified and are being returned to his family.

Billy is currently survived by all siblings: Ellen Louise Chipman, Marion Jeff Butler and wife Doris, James Ezra Butler and wife Joan, Naaman Lee Butler, and Charline Kappler.

Billy attended Tivy High School and after high school worked for a while at the Blue Bonnet Hotel. Billy was very close to our Lord and carried his Bible with him at all times. As a young man, he oftentimes found the opportunity to preach and usually had a cousin with him who would sing gospel hymns. His life goal was to become a preacher.

Billy turned 17 April 13, 1948, and believed that when he turned 18, he would be drafted by the Army. He felt that he might as well join up and although his parents were against it, he prevailed and his father signed the necessary papers. On July 20, 1948, Billy became a proud Private in the U.S. Army.

Billy's brief training was in San Antonio, Texas, and before he was shipped out to Korea, he was allowed two short leaves to see his family. That was the last they would see of their son.

He was assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Engineering Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Charlie Company advanced ahead of the main force to build bridges, allowing U.S. forces to cross, then remained behind to destroy the bridges. His Unit was captured on November 28, 1950, when enemy forces attacked their defensive positions.

Corporal Billy Joe Butler has been awarded the Purple Cross, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal; the Korean Service Medal & Triple Bronze Star Attachment and the United Nations Service Medal. Corporal Billy Joe Butler will receive full Military Honors as he is returned to his family and laid to rest next to his parents.

A visitation will take Thursday, July 25, 2019 from 5PM-7PM

Funeral Services will take place at 10AM on Friday, July 26, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Dr., Kerrville TX 78028. Internment will follow at Nichols Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830) 895-5111.

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