Submitted by: Dan Rich

Robert Alan Butterworth

Sept. 29, 1948 - Oct. 27, 1999

South Bend Tribune 11/2/1999

Robert Alan Butterworth, 51, of Longwood Drive, South Bend, Ind., passed away last Wednesday, Oct. 27, in his residence. Bob was born to the late Helen Lorene "Penny" Pennell and Vincent Eugene Butterworth on Sept. 29, 1948, in South Bend. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Brad L. Butterworth.

He was a resident of the Michiana area most of his life. He graduated from Niles High School in 1967, and received his BS degree in aviation engineering technology from Western Michigan University in 1971 where he was a member of the Army ROTC. Mr. Butterworth worked as an aeronautical engineer as an independent contractor. His work took him around the country, and some of his projects included helping to build the space shuttle Columbia, the B-1 bomber and the Sikorsky helicopter. His memberships included the Chain of Lakes Conservation Club, the Chain of Lakes Gun Club, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed his hobbies of firearms, computers and photography. Robert also served in the United States Army Reserves.

He is survived by his two sisters, Shelly L. Couch of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Gail A. Payne of Three Oaks, Mich.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, in the McGann Funeral Homes, Council Oak Gardens Chapel, 21275 W. Cleveland Road, near Portage, South Bend. Rev. Tom Couch, Bob's brother-in-law, will officiate. The family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Emil Hollister Scholarship Fund, in care of any 1st Source Bank Branch.