Calvin Eugene Butler

Calvin Eugene "Gene" Butler passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 30, 2015. at UMSMC at Easton, with his family by his side. He was 89 years old. Gene was born on December 10, 1926, in Centreville, MD, to the late Calvin and Blanche Scott Butler. At Centreville High School, Gene was quite the athlete as he lettered and captained the soccer, basketball and baseball teams. After graduating in 1944, He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in the Pacific Theatre until being honorably discharged in 1946. Gene was hired by C & P Telephone (now Verizon) in June of 1948, where he worked in Centreville, Chestertown, Queenstown, Hurlock and Easton. On March 23, 1952, Gene married the former Ann Chance, whom he affectionately called "poor old soul." They are survived by four children, Claudia Knox (Wally) of Trappe, Mike (Brenda) of Cordova, Bill (Gayle) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Mitch (Linda) of Easton. They are also survived by twelve grandchildren, Chad, Heather, Jason, Matt, Corey, Courtney, Chris, Kyle, Logan, Brian, Connor and Nathan), two step-grandchildren (Ryan, Jennifer); and seven great-grandchildren (Thatcher, Katherine, Addison, Geneva, Natalie, Jameson and Alaina). Gene is also survived by his two sisters, Evelyn Berry and Ruth Tabler (Dan) of Centreville; a brother-in-law, Bunky Chance of Queenstown; along with ten nieces and nephews. In 1958, the Butler family moved to Easton, where Gene retired in 1986. He had 38 years of service with Verizon. He belonged to the Telephone Pioneers Club and in 1982 he received the prestigious Kiwanis Club of Easton Citizen of the Year award. Since moving to Easton, Gene was very active in youth and adult sports, the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, local politics and various civic organizations. Gene coached and officiated youth baseball and football. He coached many championship and all-star teams with his mantra being, "the way you practice is the way you play." He was most proud when he got to watch his former players play at the high school level, wearing the orange and black of the Easton Warriors. In the late 70's, Gene coached in the Tidewater Softball League, a men's softball league. He coached the Roe's Snack Bar team, a very successful team which won two state titles under his guidance and finished 3rd in the 1978 National Championships in Spokane, WA. In 1999, Gene was voted into the Maryland State Modified Softball Hall of Fame. In 1962, Gene joined the Easton Volunteer Fire Department where he held all line officer positions, holding the position of chief on two different occasions. He also held the administrative positions of treasurer, vice president and president (twice). During his tenure as president, the Easton Volunteer Fire Department hosted one of the largest parades in Easton's history, the 175th Anniversary Parade. Also during his tenure, the Easton Volunteer Fire Department bought home many trophies from parades, especially best appearing company at the Maryland State Firemen's Association Parade in Ocean City. In 2012, Gene was voted into the Maryland State Firemen's Association Hall of Fame. "SERVICE FOR OTHERS." In 1989, Gene was elected to the Easton Town Council to represent the second ward. After serving four years as a town councilman, Gene was selected as town council president. In 1996, former Mayor George Murphy suddenly passed away and Gene was moved into this vacated position and served as the mayor of Easton for the next eight years. During this time, he was most proud of being a leading force behind North Easton Park. In the year 2000, North Easton Park was completed. The Gene Butler field was dedicated to him as he was so passionate about kids having a place to play baseball, soccer, softball, football, lacrosse and field hockey. In 2005, station 66 on Matthewstown Road in Easton was completed. The Mayor Gene Butler Fire Station proudly serves the town of Easton, especially the east end of town and its residents. Gene also served as a Cub Scout leader (1964-1970), and was a member of VFW Post 5118, American Legion Post 70, Elks Lodge BPOE 1622 and St. Mark's United Methodist Church. A viewing will take place on Thursday January 7, 2016, from 6 to 8 pm at the Easton Fire House,. A celebration of Gene's life will be held on Friday, January 8, 2016, at 11am at St. Mark's United Methodist Church at 100 Peachblossom Road in Easton. Burial will be at New Spring Hill Cemetery in Easton. In lieu of flowers, Gene would want donations to be sent to either the SOS Club of Easton High School, St. Mark's United Methodist Church or the Easton Volunteer Fire Department.

Calvin Eugene Butler

December 10, 1926 - December 30, 2015