Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
Ernest D. Butler Jr.
1930 — 2017
HARTLAND — Ernest David Butler, Jr., 86, died February 23 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born Dec. 10, 1930 in Old Town, the son of Ernest David Sr. and Ethel Maude (Thompson) Butler, he attended school in St. Albans.
On March 27, 1976 he married Dorothy Legassie in Eddington. He was employed as a truck driver and pulp loader from 1945 to 1948; from 1948 to 1950 he was a leather worker and wheel man, loading and dumping tanning wheels for Hartland Tanning Company. From 1953 to 1996, he became a supervisor at Hartland Tanning Company. He served on the Hartland Fire Department and was President of the Hartland Credit Union. Ernest enjoyed golf, horse shoes and fishing; he loved family gatherings.
He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the US Army as a demolition specialist and heavy equipment operator in Germany, earning the rank of Sergeant. He served until his honorable discharge in 1953.
Ernest is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dorothy (Legassie) Butler of Hartland; two daughters, Rhonda Southard of Hartland, Cindy Webber and husband Kenney of Pittsfield; three sons, Philip Butler and wife Valarie of Unity, Mike Seekins and wife Wanda of Canaan, Paul Seekins of Salt Springs, Florida; granddaughters, Rhonda Kinney of Detroit, Heather Shaw of Sharon, S.C., Dayna Butler of Hartland, Taylor Butler of Palmyra; grandsons, Hunter Seekins of Canaan, Jacob Butler of Pittsfield, Cody Campbell of Canaan, Joshua Seekins of Winthrop. He is also survived by many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a brother and sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers — Alfred, Joe, Bobby and Dick — and a son, Allen.
A graveside service will be held at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Augusta in the spring.
Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
