L. Butler III, DDS

L. Nelson Butler III, DDS - Age 75. Just three months ago, Nelson stood atop a mountain in Antarctica. On April 26th, he passed away from lung cancer peacefully in his home, in the company of his two loving sons, and with the love of his life, Judy, awaiting him on the other side. Nelson was born in Glendale, AZ, the son of Evalyn and Dr. L.N. "Ben" Butler. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1959 and attended the University of Arizona for his undergraduate studies, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity. He married Judy, his high school sweetheart, and they began their life together as Nelson earned his DDS from the University of Southern California. Nelson began practicing general dentistry in his hometown of Glendale in 1966, and continued to see his patients until just a few weeks before his passing. Nelson served on the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, including as Board President from 1996-2000. He was proud to be a Glendale Rotarian and a member and past President of the Glendale Active 20-30 Club. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman; a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball in various leagues and participating in multiple triathlons; and a modern-day cowboy, riding his horse to Wickenburg every year to ride in the city's annual parade. Nelson will be greatly missed by his sister, Norma (Dennis) Beckman; brother, Wayne (Hilda); sons Ben (Kelli) and Brad (Stephanie); grandchildren Benjamin (Jennifer), Colin (Victoria), Morgan, and Cameron. His memorial service, open to all, will be held in the Glendale High School gymnasium, 6216 W. Glendale Ave., on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Glendale Rotary Club. Nelson inspires us to live life to the fullest, enjoying every one of our days, as he truly did. We will be forever grateful for the beautiful memories and for Nelson's lasting legacy of love and service. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?pid=185316301#sthash.kpn4ou9t.dpuf