Full Obituary
WEST CHESTER, Pa.- Former West Chester University Cross Country and Track and Field Coach and Athletics Hall of Famer, Bill Butler '54, passed away at Chester County Hospital on Monday, December 9, 2024. He was 92.
The most decorated cross country and track & field head coach in school history, Butler guided the Golden Rams harriers and track stars for two decades, compiling 10 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championships in his trophy case before stepping down in 1986. He started the women's programs in the mid 1970s and mentored the ladies to much of the same success that he bestowed upon the men's program throughout his coaching career.
A professor at the university during his coaching days, Butler authored a 176-70 (.715) combined record with the men's and women's cross country programs from 1966 until his retirement in 1986, winning four PSAC titles on the men's side while capturing the school's lone conference crown on the women's side in 1982. Between 1979-85, West Chester's women's cross country team finished among the top ten at the NCAA Championships four times. On the track, Butler won two men's titles and three women's titles as well as three EAIAW finishes. Throughout his career, Butler tutored a plethora of All-Americans and individual conference champions.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John "Bill" William Butler, 92, of West Chester, PA, on Monday December 9, 2024, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. Bill was the husband of Judy A. Butler Tyndall.
Born on October 19, 1932, in Palmyra, PA, Bill was the son of the late Charles Clifford Butler and the late Katherine Cecelia Yake Butler. He grew up in Palmyra, PA and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1950. He then earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester State College and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps as a Jet Pilot for 4 years, followed by 7 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, where he exemplified the Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment.
After completing his service, Bill earned his master's degree from Pennsylvania State University. He began his career teaching at Boiling Springs High School and continued on as a physical education teacher at West Chester State College, where he was also a distinguished cross country and track coach (men and women). Bill was a talented runner and very involved in the local running community. He was also a proud youth soccer coach and volunteered much of his time coaching. He was known for his passion for running and sports, as well as his enthusiasm for coaching athletes to achieve their best.
After retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening, downhill skiing, boating and kayaking, spectating and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, and Union Soccer, watching planes land at the local Brandywine Airport, and above all spending time with his family and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Brock Butler, daughter, Heather (Aaron) Anderson, grandchildren, Jack, Rowan, Audrey, Camille, and his sister, Isabel. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, Robert, and Larry.
Services and interment will be private, with a memorial gathering and celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Abramson Cancer Center or Chester County Hospital.
Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA. 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com
