FELTON - John Robert Butler, Sr. (USN, Ret.), son of Wesley and Florence (Deen) Butler, passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Mr. Butler enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school and retired at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1967, having served for 20 years. He also had a subsequent career at L.D. Caulk in Milford, in Personnel, and retired from there in 1990. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and the Harrington Senior Center, where he served on the Board. In retirement, he enjoyed playing the game of golf, going on cruises and eating out. He was very curious about the latest technological "gadgets," whether it be cell phones, computers, or watches, and was always upgrading his equipment. He also enjoyed the many birthday and holiday get-togethers he regularly celebrated with his family, who adored him greatly. Mr. Butler will be remembered as a kind and humble Christian man, who was a devoted husband to his late wife and their children, as well as a doting "Papa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Violet June Butler. Survivors include sons, David (Libby) Butler and Bob (Peggy) Butler; daughters Teresa Mayfield and Debbie (Clarence) Bayless; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his constant feline companion, Miss Kitty. The family would like to thank both Kent General Hospital and Milford Memorial Hospital for the care he received during his illnesses and, in particular, to the staff at the Rehabilitation Center for their encouragement and dedication. Funeral services will be held on Friday Feb. 26, 2016 at 1pm in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton, DE 19943, where friends may call after 12 noon. Interment will be at Hollywood Cemetery in Harrington. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: The American Cancer Society PO Box 163 Salisbury, MD 21803 or American Diabetes Association 100 W. 10th St., Suite 1002 Wilmington, DE 19801.