Richard Julius Armando Butcher, 54

WILMINGTON - Richard Julius Armando Butcher departed this life Monday, May 21, 2007, in his home. He was 54.

Mr. Butchaer was born on April 18, 1953, son of Claretta B. Freeman of Camden and George Evans.

He was educated in the Dover, Smyrna and Wilmington school districts. He also attended the University of Delaware.

Mr. Butcher was a substitute teacher in the Wilmington School District.

He served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force as a drill sergeant and later became a radio and television broadcaster.

After retiring from the service, he spent most of his adult years in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother and his paternal grandparents; his stepfather, the Rev. J. Theophilus Freeman; and a sister, Reverend Dr. Sabina J. Wilson.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, his mother, Claretta B. Freeman of Camden; a sister, Zinna Woods of Wilmington and Randy; three brothers, Bishop Dietrich and Prophetess Hazel Butcher, Joseph Freeman and Joshua Freeman and Missy, all of Texas; two brothers-in-law, James L. Woods Jr. of New Castle and William Wilson of Dover; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; three special friends, Ruth Shelton was like a sister and Betty Brown was like a second mother and Darell Graham a phone and computer pal of North Carolina.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home where friends may view hours prior.

Burial will be private.