Walter Franklin Butcher Jr.

Walter Franklin Butcher, Jr. was born on October 27, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa and earned his Angel wings on August 12, 2025, in San Diego, California.

Walt grew up in Kearny Mesa with his six siblings and attended Kearny High School. He served in the Army for 2 years and was stationed in Monterey, California. After completing his service, he settled back in San Diego where he met his beloved wife, Linda Flaherty. They were married in 1960 and started their new life in Fletcher Hills.

Walt converted to Catholicism in 1960 where his lifelong friend John Adams served as his sponsor. He was a devoted Catholic and his faith was a guiding force in his life. He centered his life around family and serving others.

Walt was a self-made man, and while working for Caltrans, he studied part time at SDSU. He went on to become a Civil Engineer and became a partner and owner of SB&O Inc. For over 30 years he worked on the engineering and surveying of shopping malls, housing developments, freeways, railroads and toll roads.

Walt was a lifelong volunteer in many organizations; Our Lady of Grace, OLG Choir, Whispering Winds, International Relief Team, The Friendship Force, Cursillo and was inducted into the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. Walt was instrumental in the engineering and building of the Hospital and adjoining Chapel in Tijuana, Mexico. He also spent years in the planning and development of sanitation facilities for the people of the Colonia in San Quentin, Mexico.

Walt was an inspiration to others and passionate about being fit. Many admired him for his dedication to improve himself physically, mentally and spiritually. During his retirement he enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling the world with Linda and their best pals.

His journey on earth was one of love, compassion, family, devotion to God and helping others. His passing has left a huge void in the hearts of family, friends and all those that knew him. May he rest in peace.

Walt is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Linda, his children: Stephanie Butcher, Allen Butcher (Barbara), Michael Stephen Butcher (Debbie), Karen Barton (Kip) and John Robert Butcher (Cece); his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he was devoted to: Michael Patrick Butcher (Lauren), Steven Butcher, Lauren Barton, Nikki Butcher, John Michael Butcher, John Liam Butcher, Jadyn “Jay” Butcher, Molly Butcher, Riley Butcher, and Bradyn Butcher; his sister Nancy Ryman, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Erma Butcher, his brothers: Edward, Chuck, Ray, and Phil, his sister Mary Adam, and daughter-in-law Debbie Butcher.

Walt’s Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Monday, August 25, 2025, 10:30am Rosary, 11:00am Funeral Mass, (followed by reception in parish hall).

RSVP at Walt.Butcher.Memorial@gmail.com or to sign the virtual guest book, please visit: www.caringbridge.org

Private interment at Miramar National Cemetery will occur at later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Our Lady of Grace Catholic School - Tuition Assistance Program.