HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Robert Eugene Butler, 91,

passed away on September 6, 2023, in Hot Springs, Ark. “Bobby”, known affectionately by his siblings, family, and friends, was born on February 27, 1932 in Ethel, Ark., to Oregon Benjamin Butler and Elsie Kline Butler. Bobby graduated from St. Charles High School in 1948, where he was editor of the class yearbook and played basketball and baseball. He went on to earn a BS in Mathematics from Arkansas State Teachers College, Conway, Ark., in 1952. Bobby joined the US Army in November 1952 and served for two years at Fort Bliss, Texas, in the Anti-aircraft and Guided Missiles Branch. Upon completing his military service, Bobby began teaching at DeWitt High School, where he met Maggie Maxine Martin of Lavaca, Ark., a fellow teacher. Leaving the nicknames Bobby and Maggie behind, Bob and Maxine married in November 1955, and decided together to further their education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. In 1959, Bob graduated with a second degree, a BS in Electrical Engineering (Honors). Bob also completed graduate work at Washington University, Sever Institute of Technology, in St. Louis. He started his career as an Electrical Engineer with McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co., St. Louis, Mo., in 1960 and worked on critical space and defense projects for 30 years, becoming a Section Manager in the Electronics Division. Happily retiring in January 1990, he and Maxine moved to Hot Springs Village, Ark., to be closer to family in northwest and southeast Arkansas, enjoying the woods and their lakeside home. Bob is best known for his sense of humor, kidding nature, love of family, facts and tennis! He was a passionate tennis player, after having been introduced to the sport during his Army career. Three or four days a week of his adult life were happily spent on the courts - grass, clay and asphalt. He played tennis in St. Louis with McDonnell Douglas leagues, neighborhood leagues, and at the Northwest Racquet Club. Upon retirement to HSV, he truly enjoyed all the activity at the Coronado Tennis Center and his doubles partners and teams. He was a member of the 1995 United States Tennis Association National 3.5 Senior Champions. He continued to enjoy success with his HSV 3.5 Super Senior Teams in 2009, 2012 and 2013, winning State tournaments. Bob and Maxine were active members of Woodlands Presbyterian Church, and after Maxine’s death in 2004, he continued his worship there serving as an Elder, and in fellowship as an active member of the senior singles group. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a fine photographer, genealogist and storyteller. He was a master of trivia and all things “Arkansas”. His kind, caring and quirky spirit will be with us forever. Robert is survived by his daughter, Karen Yvonne Martin and son-in-law, Gary, of Newport Beach, Calif.; granddaughters, Elizabeth “Betsy” Allene Martin, PhD, San Francisco, Calif, and Charlotte “Lotte” Ellen Martin, DDS, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Oregon and Elsie Butler; his spouse, Maggie Maxine; and siblings, Ruth, Bernice, Polly, James, Oregon Jr., and George Butler. Please contact Karen Martin at kmkymartin@gmail.com for additional information regarding the service and reception. Memorial donations can be made in Robert’s name to Woodlands Presbyterian Church. Online condolences at: www.caruth-hale.com.