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🇺🇸 Army veteran Col. Steven Butler died 11 days after a July 3 car crash in Niceville.
🏫 Butler served as an ROTC instructor and volunteered with the Big Brother program, mentoring youth.
🕊️ He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery following a funeral service in Niceville on July 22.
NICEVILLE — Col. Steven E. Butler, a retired U.S. Army officer and longtime Niceville resident, died on July 15 from injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle accident earlier this month on State Road 20. He was 73.
The crash, which occurred July 3 at the intersection of State Road 20 and Bay Drive, left Butler seriously injured. He died 11 days later, surrounded by family.
Born Jan. 26, 1952, in Maryland, Butler was a proud alumnus of Clemson University and a lifelong supporter of the Clemson Tigers. He went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of full colonel. During his career, he also taught ROTC, where he mentored aspiring service members.
Outside of his military service, Butler dedicated his time to the Big Brother program, working closely with underprivileged children and leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
His foster son, Jason Harwell, said the family had remained hopeful during the days following the crash.
“Yes. It was an extreme roller coaster. We all thought he was going to survive,” Harwell said. “When I talked to him that first day on July 4, I was talking to Steve. That was the last time I heard his voice. We were very hopeful. Although we started getting concerned when the back surgery kept getting pushed off, we were going off the best decisions we could make based on the information given to us by the experts.”
Harwell added that the care Butler received at HCA Florida Fort Walton—Destin Hospital was exceptional.
“I don’t think we could have done anything different, and the hospital staff were absolutely amazing. Our nurse, Taylor, on the final day was such a blessing, and we are truly thankful for the staff and medical personnel who did their best.”
Butler was also a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders and was a familiar face in the Niceville community. He was known to start his mornings with coffee at JoJo’s and wind down with friends at Hurricanes. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, cruise vacations, and—most of all—time with his grandchildren.
“He was a beloved father, a loyal friend, and a man with a truly one-of-a-kind personality and sense of humor. His smile could light up any room,” wrote the family in his obituary.
Butler was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Samuel Butler. He is survived by his brothers, Michael and John Butler; his sister, Bonnie Smollett; his daughter, Sara Marsico, and son-in-law, Dan Marsico; his foster son, Jason Harwell; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niceville. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Pro Communi Bono
