Larry Joe Butcher
DECEASED 6/23/2016
Obituary: “Larry Joe Butcher, 70, of Traverse City, passed away on June 23, 2016.
He was born March 5, 1946 in Mojave, California, to Stewart and Ardath (Reid). Larry was never married but had several wonderful lady friends.

Larry’s dad, “Butch,” was in the U.S. Navy for 23 years, and Larry traveled the United States going to many schools as he followed his dad’s career. Larry graduated from Traverse City Senior High and attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and received an associate’s degree.

He is survived by his three siblings, Janet (Meeker) Bauman, John (Carolyn) Butcher and Susan Taylor (Robert Green); five nieces and nephews, Phil (Jennifer) Meeker, James (Carolyn) Karr, Susie (Tommy) Apsey, Kathy (Brian) Birney and Jeff Butcher; great-nieces and great-nieces and great-nephews, Josh (Chloe) Meeker, Amanda (Ryan) Sandstrom, Tanner Apsey, Kaitlin Birney, Keira Birney, Brian Birney and Kilian Birney; great-great-nephew, Kade Meeker; aunt Pat Dees; aunt Carol Melville; uncle Jennings Butcher; and all the cousins from the Butcher-Reid clan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Butcher; many aunts and uncles from the Butcher and Reid families; as well as the entirety of cousins from from the Butcher-Reid clan.

Larry sold real estate in his early career, ran a sandwich catering business, “Larry’s Lunch Box,” and retired from the United States Post Office after 20 years. Larry was a Captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971. Larry belonged to many military organizations and devoted his time to fighting the effects of Agent Orange. Larry received a Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and a Purple Heart while serving in the Vietnam War.

Larry was the post commander for 5 years for the American Legion Post 35. Larry was instrumental in the forming of the coalition group. But one of the organizations that he gave his time, talents and treasurers for was the American Legion Junior Baseball Program for over 15 years. he loved helping children to learn to play the game of baseball. He also played softball at the Civic Center and coached a woman’s baseball team from which he heard over and over, “Put me in Coach!”

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 11 a.m., with visitation held one hour prior, at the First Christian Church, 3686 W. South Airport Road, Traverse City. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Cherryland Post 2780. Chaplin Larry Kidd will officiate.

Memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be directed to the American Legion Post 35 Junior Baseball Scholarship Fund, 1231 Hastings St., Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Larry’s family by visiting his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.