Franklin J. Butz, a lifetime Raymond resident, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. He was 73. Frank was born July 17, 1945, in Raymond to Aaron G. and Helen M. (Dormann) Butz.

After graduating from Willapa Valley High School in 1963, Franklin worked in the shake industry in Hoquiam and Quinault areas. He also did farming, logging, and worked Pinkerton Security. He retired in 2006 as a truck driver up and down the West coast and Canada, working for D & M Live Crab of Westport.

Despite health problems, Frank was independent and active. He volunteered weekly at Willapa Harbor Health & Rehab, assisting with activities. He spent many enjoyable hours with friends, playing cribbage and pinochle, traveling from Centralia to Westport and all points between. His sense of humor never failed, and he was known to play a prank or joke on any unsuspecting victim. He was always there with a helping hand to anyone in need, young or old.

He was a member of the Centralia Cribbage Club and the American Cribbage Congress Moose Lodge.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his brother George Aaron Butz, and his sister Mary Alice Mittge.

Surviving Franklin are his sister Margaret (Ted) Somero of Montesano, and nephews and nieces Rick (Shelley) Mittge, Randy (Lori) Mittge, Mike (Coni) Ruddell, John Ruddell, Louise (Mike) Mauermann, Bob (Linda) Ruddell, Marc Somero, Dianne (Todd) Dowler, Steve (Sue) Somero, and Jack (Cindy) Butz.

Memorials in Frank’s memory may be made to any local organization for youth or senior citizens.

A celebration of life and potluck lunch will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 707 Commercial Street, Raymond, WA 98577.

Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.