Clarence Cleon Butler, son of the late Deacon and Deaconess Harrison and Mary Simms-Butler was born on Nov. 1, 1932, at University Hospital, Baltimore, Md. He died 2:30 a.m. Dec. 30, 2010 at his earthly residence on Chase Street in Baltimore.
Butler was third in the birth order of five siblings, the only son of Mary Simms and Harrison Butler, who were themselves descendants of four of the founders of Unity Baptist Church. He attended grade school in Elkridge and Harriet Tubman High School in Howard County. His religious training was provided by his parents, grandparents and Unity Baptist Church.
He was married to Sylvia Hale in 1949, from this union one son, Arthur C. (Jimmy) Butler, was born. In 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the Korean Conflict as a demolition expert. He was captured for 18 days while serving in the war. This traumatic event would have a devastating effect on the rest of his life. He tried courageously to live and carry on as normal as he could afterwards, but he could not do so.
He worked for a while at the Bel-Air Road Brick and Supply Company, after which he was employed by the United States Post Office. His work status ended there. He then became homebound for more than 50 years. His parents lovingly took care of him, until their deaths. He devotedly cared for them to the best of his ability. After his father died, Butler devoted himself completely to the care of his mother.
He loved children, especially his nieces and nephews, who helped care for him when they became adults. However, he had a special rapport with his nephews, Thomas Williams, Anthony Butler and the late Michael Butler, who grew up in the household with him. Anthony resided with him until his death.