Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

USMC Colonel Warren Allen Butcher

Retired USMC Colonel Warren Allen Butcher slipped peacefully from this world on May 11, 2008.

He died at home and is survived by his sister Lois Watson, Hillsborough, CA; daughters Victoria Bobbette, Spokane, WA, and Michelle Finley, Aptos, CA; sons Warren Jr., Poway, CA, and James, Bonsall, CA; daughters-in-law Marcia and Andrea; son-in-law Steve; and grandchildren Laurel, Lindsay, Jordan, Melissa, Kaitlyn and Clinton.

Born in Manila in the US Philippines, Warren was a second generation career military man. He lived with his family in China, Panama and San Diego.

He graduated from Hoover High School when he was 16, then entered San Diego State University, where he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity and served as the chapter president.

Warren was also proud of the fact that he played football for San Diego State, even though they had “the worst record in the league,” as he put it. He was an Aztec fan through and through.

Warren served his country proudly for 30 years and retired a full colonel in 1972. He survived three wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam (two tours).

While in the Marine Corps, he had the honor to work with and meet many influential people, including President Nixon and Margaret Thatcher. (He would be appalled that I am name-dropping here.)

His career was varied and intensely interesting in that he experienced firsthand what most of us only read about in the newspapers.

Warren had a successful second career as a teacher and school principal and was elected to several terms on the school board of Fallbrook, where he lived for more than 30 years.

His other interests included fishing and traveling with his wife. He was also a loyal San Diego Padre and Chargers fan. (Although loyal, he was known to turn off the TV early in disgust if they were losing.)

Warren lost his wife of 57 years, Beverly, in May 2005 and was a two-time cancer survivor. He never gave in to adversity and fought the good fight his entire life.

He was truly an outstanding member of this country’s “Greatest Generation.” We miss you already, Dad.

Services will be held at Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery on Thursday, May 22, at 11 a.m.

 

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