F. William Button

BUTTON, F. William
Of Kalamazoo "Bill", to his family and friends, was born in Waterloo, Iowa on December 10, 1935, the only child of Fred W. and Olive B. Button. He attended Waterloo Public School, East Waterloo High School, Drake University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa, achieving the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration. Bill's career included the practice of law with TWA in New York City, Kansas City Southern in Kansas City, and Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company and Darin Armstrong in Detroit. At various times in his career he taught junior high, high school, and undergraduate and graduate university. Bill shared his home in Kalamazoo with his four cats, Roxanne, Diva, Sinbad and Cyrano. Hobbies included travel, camping, reading in excess of 50 books per year and MUSIC! His love of music began as a child with piano, and then violin. These gave way to the trombone which was later joined by its low brass cousins, the euphonium and tuba. He also played the acoustic bass guitar. After retiring in 2000, Bill became very involved with various musical groups, playing with the following: New Horizon, Ransom Street Big Band, Kalamazoo Concert Band, Kalamazoo Valley CC Campus Band, Kalamazoo College Symphonic Band, Jubal Brass Christian Brass Ensemble, Kalamazoo Mandolin/Guitar Orchestra and the Portage Senior Center Band. Bill is survived by cousins Betty Miller, Harry Button, Ruth Grau, David Button, Stephen Button, Lucy Fanning, Nancy DiVincenzo, Robert Vierck and Dick Baldwin. His numerous friends over the many years include his lifelong friend, Roger Caroline Kalkis, as well as many friends in the various musical groups. Bill was a very kind and decent man. His friends will greatly miss him. A "Celebration of Bill's Life" will be hosted by Bill's church, Christian Church Disciples of Christ 2208 Winchell Avenue on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM. Preceding the service will be a time of fellowship, and a light meal following the service. Memorials in Bill's memory may be directed to Christian Church Disciples of Christ; Kalamazoo Concert Band; or Feeding America. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.langelands.com for online guestbook, memories and condolences for the family.