John H. Butler was born on November 17, 1928 at Lockesburg, Arkansas to Henry and Emma Young Butler. He died April 17, 2014 at Wadley Hospital, Texarkana, Texas.

He graduated from Mineral Springs high school. He was active in all sports, especially baseball where he loved pitching and was very good at that. He pitched some in semi-pro baseball and loved that. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict but was stationed in Germany as a Military Policeman. After being discharged from Military service he became a Policeman with the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department. He was the first person chosen as Captain in the history of the department. He was promoted through the ranks until he became Chief of Police and at his retirement after thirty four years he was Director of Public Safety. He retired from the Department in 1990 and moved to the farm where he loved his quarter horses, cows and Australian Shepherd dogs. He loved raising a large garden to share with family and friends. He did this as late as 2013. He was a member of Lockesburg First United Methodist Church where he has served as Chairman of many boards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mildred Baxley and a brother, Dennis Butler.

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Audine Butler, a sister, Bonnie Johnson of Sulphur Springs, Texas, many nieces and nephews and a host of many wonderful friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Butler will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 21, 2014 in Lockesburg First United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in the Bellville Cemetery, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen.
∼It is with deep sadness the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department reports the death of Chief John H. Butler. He was appointed as Chief of Police in 1972 and later became the Director of Public Safety for the City of Texarkana, Arkansas.

Chief Butler began his career with the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department on September 13, 1956 and retired from service on September 14, 1990. Chief Butler served the citizens of our city for 34 years. Throughout his duration of service he proved to be an exceptional Chief who always had in mind the best interest of every citizen in Texarkana.

In addition this genuine interest was observed in the way he led his men and women of the department. Chief Butler's attitude and dedication has long lived on within the Police Department and will forever remain.

During his tenure, he served as a member of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. As a member of this statewide commission, Chief Butler helped increase the level of professionalism of Arkansas law enforcement.