Garold Richard Butdorf

Garold Richard Butdorf, 71, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away suddenly, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Fairborn, Ohio.
Gary, son of Richard M. and Jane V. Butdorf, was born January 15, 1953, at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, but grew up in Tiffin, Ohio until 10th grade, when he moved with his family to Fremont, Ohio. He graduated fro Fremont Ross High School in 1971. He received a Falcon Foundation Scholarship and spent a year at Wentworth Military Junior College. Subsequently, he was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1976 and was appointed a 2nd Lt. and then attended Navigation School at Mather Air Force Base, in California. Later, he was assigned to Grissom Air Force Base, in Indiana, where he participated in many worldwide covert operations, concerning the Iranian hostages, the Falkland Islands, Nicaragua, Angola, Libya and the Middle East. He also served, over the years, at Rickenbacker Air Force Base, Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Andrews Air Force Base. Gary retired with the rank of Major, in 1996, after 20 years of service for our country. After retirement, he worked in the private sector for Ball Corporation and Innovative Technology Corporation, retiring again in August of 1996.
Gary enjoyed his many friends and family, but also enjoyed attending Cleveland Indians,Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Seahawks sporting events with his son. He enjoyed watching many of the sports programs at Fairborn High School, especially basketball and football, with his friends and Pastor Gene Kline. He was very involved with his church: Singing in the choir, helping with the youth program, helping with the homeless and helping with the senior citizens center.
Gary is survived by his children, Christopher Butdorf, Jenny ( Macy Dingess) Butdorf; four grandchildren (Mason Weiss, Aspyn Rafac, and twins, Damien Escobar and Michelle Escobar); his brother, Keith (Wanda) Butdorf, sister, Kathy (Steve) Livoti, and twin sister, Jeri (Rick) Howell; many nieces and nephews; and three special friends, Nancy Stanley and Dave and Marcia Jurcsisn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard M. and Jane V, Butdorf; grandparents, Rule and Ruth Egbert and Madelyn and Norman Abbott; former wife Della Escobar; and many favorite aunts and uncles.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, June 20, at Oakwood Cemetery, 1225 Oakwood Street, in Fremont, Ohio.
Memorial donations can be made in his name to any veteran organization, athletic department, or church of your choice, as Gary was active in those endeavors.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hanneman-Keller Family Funeral Homes, 416 S, Arch Street, Fremont, Ohio.



 

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