Mildred Imogene Butler (Gene), 93, died peacefully on December 3, 2015 in Largo, FL. She was born on December 28, 1921 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Family
Gene is survived by two nieces, Mary Bauer and Sharon George, both from Michigan and her longtime friend Sherry McGowan of Indian Rocks Beach. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Madeline Hull Butler, and by her sister and brother.
Military
She enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944 following her graduation from nursing school in 1943. She served as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the European Theatre of Operations and cared for the sick and wounded soldiers as they returned from the front lines. She retired on April 1, 1970 after 26 years of service in the Air Force while achieving the rank of Colonel. Gene served her country during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Life and Legacy
She had a reputation for being a great cook and loved dancing, especially with her brother. Gene loved golf and played at Pinecrest and MacDill AFB golf courses. Gene was an exceptionally generous person and donated her funds to establish the Col. Mildred Imogene Butler Nursing Scholarship at St. Petersburg College. Gene was also a very proud member and supporter of the Society of Air Force Nurses. There have been 12 scholarships awarded to promising young men and women who are beginning their careers in nursing. She loved the Pub in Indian Shores and was a frequent diner there. She was well known and respected by all of their employees.
Military Honors
Services will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM. The Honor Guard from MacDill AFB will be conducting military honors. Guest are invited to the Pub following the services for a reception in honor of Gene.
Family and friends are invited to share a memory and sign her guestbook below.
Rest in peace Gene. We all adored you and enjoyed your visits to The Pub. You were a amazing women and you will be missed. From The Pub Family
It was an honor for us to serve you, Col. Butler. I hope you are once again dancing with your brother.
We send our deepest sympathy. I didn’t have enough time with mine. It sounds like She had a very full and busy life. May she rest in Peace.