Thomas George Butts

Thomas George Butts, born September 12, 1927, in Pasadena, California, passed November 15, 2013, in Redondo Beach, California. Tom wrote his own obituary, as follows: Tom leaves Ann Scarentino, his beloved wife, who, through the 25 years of their marriage, was an unfailing inspiration, guide and partner, his daughter, Ann Elizabeth Bryce-Levinson, and his two grandchildren, Kelsey Levinson and Trevor Levinson, who are the hope of the future. His brother, John William Butts, and his daughter Hilary Zizamae Butts, preceded him in death. At the time of his death, he was the oldest surviving member of numerous cousins, all from his paternal grandparents. During his marriage to Ann, they traveled extensively, enjoying visits to Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Hawai'i (his favorite) and cities around the United States. dly, the other places on his "bucket list" will have to wait. He leaves an enormous collection of photos, which any interested person can examine and remove and save his daughter the challenge of guessing, "Who are these people?" After he was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1947, he returned to Del Mar, California, and became the president of the Young Republicans Club. Later, having seen the light, he became a Democrat and staunch supporter of union rights. He was a union member (AFGE/AFL-CIO) and also a member of the American Legion and the NRA. He began his career in public service as a management analyst at the Air Force Flight Test Center and manpower officer of the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. His highest position in public service was the Director of Programs/Budget, United States Air Force Space Division. After retirement in 1984, he joined the Service Corps of Retired Executives, Small Business Administration, where he oversaw symposia on starting new businesses. During his lifetime, Tom attended at various times, the University of Redlands, Oceanside-Carlsbad College, the University of California Santa Barbara, San Diego State College and the University of Southern California. His highest academic achievement was the Doctorate of Public Administration program at USC. His regret is that others in his age cohort were privileged to serve in the defense of our country while he served only in peacetime. May God watch over those who serve, and
preserve them according to His will. Tom says, "This is not my first death, nor will it be my last. At other times and in other rooms, we will meet again. Show your respect for my memory by being kind to others and considerate of each person's differences." Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2013 from 5pm until 8pm at the mortuary. Funeral services will be Friday, November 22, 2013 at 11am in the mortuary chapel, with interment to follow in Green Hills Memorial Park.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275