Myron A. Butler

Myron A. "Mike" ButlerSanfordMyron A. "Mike" Butler of Sanford died on September 1, 2001 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland the day following his 83rd birthday.The son of Nathaniel and Stella Haidvogel Butler, he was born in a sod hut in Ottumwa, South Dakota, and was delivered by his four year old brother. His childhood was spent in Buffalo, NY and in 1931 he moved with his family to Lebanon, ME and worked in the lumberyard and on the family farm.He is a graduate of the Sanford High School class of 1936. On June 20, 1942 he married Helen Worcester of E. Lebanon. He worked in the S. Portland Naval Shipyard building Liberty Ships. On November 6, 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during WWII in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. Upon his return home the couple and their son moved to Sanford where Mr. Butler found employment as a mechanic.In a short time Mr. Butler began his career as a Sanford businessman. Over the years he owned and operated the Amoco Service Station, Butler Motor Company, Butler Service station, Leaning Tower of Power, Sudsland Laundromat, the Citgo Service Station and Butler Oil Company.Mr. Butler finally retired in the late 1990's after several years as a school bus driver.Throughout the years he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor home touring 48 states, and Canada. Often they traveled to watch their daughter Rhoda perform in musicals.Mr. Butler was a member of the Crossroads United Methodist Church, former member of the Sanford/Springvale Kiwanis Club, and Campaign chairman for the Sanford/Springvale United Fund. He was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, chess, scrabble, and playing the violin. As an expert welder Mr. Butler also created many objects including wood stoves, which he supplied with fuel from his own wood lot.Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Helen Worcester Butler of Sanford, a son Michael G. of Gorham, a daughter Rhoda L. of Waterboro, and a sister Mrs. Harry (Ruth) Rodgers of Sanford. Also surviving are three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.