Obituaries

David Francis Butler Jr.

Photo of David Francis Butler Jr.
David Francis Butler Jr., 62, of Magnolia passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Born April 19, 1955, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barbara Eggleston and David Francis Butler, Sr., both of El Dorado. He was preceded in death by his father; stepfather, Gerald Eggleston; and niece, Kristen Butler. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Vicki Butler of Magnolia; daughters, Stephanie Clayton and husband Doug Clayton of Aspen, Co., and Sydney Butler and Lesley Butler, both of Fayetteville; his mother; step-mother, Jean Butler; siblings, Dr. Rob Butler and wife Sharon of Magnolia, Chris Butler and wife Deborah of El Dorado, Sarah Jennings and husband Steve of Magnolia, and Dr. Michael Eggleston and wife Blythe of Fayetteville; and host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones. David was a 1973 graduate of Magnolia High School. He was a proud member of the 1973 Magnolia Panther State AA Championship football team and was voted "Friendliest" by his classmates, a trait he was known for his whole life. He graduated from Southern State College in 1977 and was a 1980 graduate from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He practiced law for more than 35 years in Oklahoma and Arkansas and was elected in 2014 as Prosecuting Attorney of the Natural State's 13th Judicial District. His professional accomplishments were many and noted statewide. David worked as a prosecuting attorney for nearly 25 years. He was a vital part of the Arkansas judicial system and the local law enforcement community. He also served as the president of the SAU Alumni Association. As a local volunteer, David could always be counted on to provide his time, talents, and energy especially to Magnolia and the SAU Community. As an avid outdoorsman and spear fisherman, Butler spent much of his leisure time on the waterways and hunting grounds across the western hemisphere. From Canada to the Caribbean, Butler hunted it, fished it, or scuba dived it all. He especially held Lake Ouachita in central Arkansas dear to his heart. A gifted orator, Butler enjoyed storytelling nearly as much as he loved his family and friends. His jokes and stories will forever be cherished by those who knew him best. The time he spent with his family, his girls, and his dear friends will live in their hearts forever. David will be remembered for his many lines such as "Daylight's a Burnin." Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 18, at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home Inc. and officiated by Dr. Mike Seabaugh. Visitation will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Central Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be made up of area law enforcement. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to SAU for the new Alumni Center or to the Magnolia Boys and Girls Club in memory of David Butler. To sign the online guestbook or share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.

Published August 16, 2017

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