Vern Willis Butler

Mesquite, Nevada - Vern Willis Butler, aged 89, passed away from natural causes September 17, 2025 at Mesa Valley Estates Assisted Living. Vern was born April 10, 1936 outside of Harveyville, Kansas as the second of four sons to John Willis and Clyda Eileen (Fouts) Butler. He married Wanda M. Mundy of Burlingame, Kansas, August 31, 1956.

Growing up, Vern participated in and later judged 4H events and held leadership positions on the Harveyville High football, basketball, and baseball teams. He received his Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University and entered public service. He eventually became the President of the South Dakota chapter of ASCE and SD Secretary of Natural Resources. Much of his term as Secretary was spent in marshaling resources for the Oahe Irrigation Project. After leaving state government, he led projects as an engineering consultant for CH2MHill of Denver, then hydrologist for Rio Blanco Oil Shale before ending his career as safety engineer for Amoco’s western region. In retirement, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Fairplay, Colorado Beach Recreation Area.

Vern enjoyed umpiring Little League baseball before his sons began playing then coached their teams. He built the family’s house in Pierre, South Dakota then did it again building the family’s log cabin outside Alma, Colorado. In retirement he volunteered at the South Park Museum in Fairplay and the Canoa Ranch Museum in Arizona enjoying explaining his antique tool collection to museum visitors. He also was the head of the Board of Trustees, head of the Administrative Council, and project manager for the construction of the Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church in Sahuarita, Arizona.

Vern is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wanda of Mesquite, NV, sons James W. (Mary Jo Clement) of Georgetown, TX, Russell “Rusty” V. (Stephanie M. Suekawa) of Mesquite, and daughter Patricia D. (Mark J. Madras) of Kansas City, MO, four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dr. James R. (Valentine, NE), David F. (Harveyville, KS), and John “Jack” W. (Las Vegas, NV).

No funeral services are planned and interment of his ashes will be at the Burlingame, KS cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church, 50 E. Duval Rd., Green Valley, Arizona, 85614. We invite friends and family to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com.