Francis G. Butler; Retired Airplane Builder
Francis G. Butler, who constructed airplanes for Lockheed Corp. for 35 years, has died in Panorama City. He was 78.
Butler began working in the electrical development department of Lockheed’s Burbank plant in 1941 and retired in 1976.
A resident of Canyon Country since 1984, he died Wednesday of lung cancer, said his wife, Phyllis.
Born Nov. 15, 1911, in Auckland, New Zealand, Butler came to Los Angeles with his parents when he was 9. He graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1931 and worked on odd jobs before starting with Lockheed nine years later. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1940.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years; sons, Charles R.G. Butler of Lompoc and Donald F. Butler of Newhall; a daughter, JoAnn Butler of Canyon Country; and two grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at St. Clare Church, 19606 Calla Way, in Canyon Country. Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary in Newhall is handling the arrangements.
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