FRANK W. BUTTON JR.

Frank Whitfield Button Jr., 88, died Nov. 12, 2011, at home in DeLand, Fla.

He was born in Louisville, Ky., and came to DeLand in 2009 to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Barb and Jeff Shepherd.

He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in metallurgical engineering, and worked for the Union Carbide Co., and Moormans Manufacturing, in Indiana and Illinois, before retiring to Twin Lakes.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces near the end of World War II, and was the navigator on 35 missions over Germany, flying out of England.

He was fond of saying that by the time he was able to join the war effort, the Germans were so beaten down that his service was really no trouble. He had kept in touch with the members of his bomber group, and was able to attend several reunions.

He was an avid gardener and fisherman, loved observing and learning about the flora and fauna of Florida and his adopted DeLand home. He thoroughly enjoyed attending services as a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, DeLand, picnicking on the banks of the St. Johns River, attending concerts wherever his son-in-law played, sampling the fare at Central Florida’s many fine restaurants, and taking part in downtown DeLand events.

In addition to his daughter and son-in-law, he is survived by his daughter Joyce Robb of Westminster, Colo., and her husband, Wyman; his son, Christopher Allen Button of Ormond Beach, Fla., and his wife, Christine; and his special friend Marian Niles of Salem; as well as grandchildren, Michael, Tim, Andrew, Chrystal, Amber, Anna and Ella; and great-grandchildren Mia, Ella, Sawyer and Little Leo.

The family plans a Memorial Gathering at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, on Artisan Alley in DeLand, where Mr. Button loved to sit and greet his friends, and to watch birds, bats and airplanes fly overhead. All who knew him are invited to attend.

Interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Union Grove.

The Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand, Fla., is assisting the family.

 


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