Richard Prescott Butler, 96, of Southport passed away very peacefully at his special Homestead in Southport on July 29, 2021.

He was born on May 24, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Freeman P. Butler and Bertha M. Butler. His twin brother, Robert, often called his wombmate, had arrived 15 minutes earlier.

Dad attended schools in Vassalboro and Augusta and graduated from Cony High School in 1944. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1951. He then graduated from Simmons School of Floral Design in Boston, Massachusetts in 1952.

Dad and his twin brother, Bob, honorably enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943. As World War II veterans they were fortunate to serve together in the South Pacific until 1945. They were members of the 3rd Air Commando in the 343rd Airdrome Squadron.

On June 26, 1949 he married Barbara B. Cross in Augusta. One day when Dad was working at Mom’s family greenhouse, Mom told her sister, “I am going to marry that fellow someday.”  They were married for 55 years before she passed away in 2004. They raised their six girls in Farmingdale and created many wonderful memories spending summers on Webber Pond in Vassalboro.

Dad was a proud member of the Lions International Club, the Masons, the American Legion, and the Shriners. He spent over 40 years in the horticulture, greenhouse, and florist business. He worked with his father-in-law, Burton M. Cross, at Cross Flowers. He eventually bought the business and called it Butler Twins Floral Center in Farmingdale. He was the past president of Maine F.T.D. and received the Maine State Florist of the Year Award. He was a Maine Trustee of Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts.

Dad is survived by his special twin brother, the Rev. Robert Butler, of Houlton. After their wives had passed, they were fortunate to have lived in Uncle Bob’s winter home in Zephyrhills, Florida for several years where they supported one another. They have always had a special bond and often talked daily.

Dad is survived by his six daughters who he often referred to by number. Daughter #1 - Linda Pekins and husband, Bob, of Farmingdale; Daughter #2 – Karen Roak and husband, Don, of Augusta; Daughter #3 – Debbie Sylvester and husband, Brian, of Southport; Daughter #4 – Judy Moody and husband, Ike, of Farmingdale; Daughter #5 – Dee Dee Love and fiancé, Rob Trial, of Nobleboro; Daughter #6 – Nancy Butler-Smith and husband, Mark, of Monmouth. He is survived by 21 grandchildren: Rob Pekins; Ame Drake and partner, Paula; Paul Pekins and wife, Shawna; Matt Pekins and husband, Scott; Daniel Roy; Jennifer Tyler and husband, Gerald; Adam Palmer; Kate Umland and husband, Jon; Bob Roak; Becky Roak and wife, Mary; Bill Roak and wife, Carly; Nate Sylvester and wife, Nicky; Kara Kaikini and husband, Ravi; Joshua Moody and wife, Ramona; Matthew Moody; Tina Love; Stephanie Hatheway and husband, Ted; Anna White and husband Joshua; Nicole Adams and fiance, Devon, Kevin and Kasey Smith. Dad is survived by 32 great-grandchildren:  Alexa, Olivia, Caylyn, Emily, Dylan, Dawsun, Daxton, Kimberly, Bradley, Abbie, Connor, Jordan, Hilary, Nicholas, Meghan, Logan, Matthew, Lia, Emilie, Grace, Elliott, Webber, Elliette, Bode, Eli, Jesse, Boden, Bella, Brookelynn, Sydney, Charlotte, and Oliver. He is also survived by 6 great-great grandchildren: Hunter, Wyatt, Connor, Dawson, Owen, and Sawyer. In addition he is survived by his special nieces, Cindy, Sherri, Sue, and Lori.

He was predeceased by his parents and his loving wife, Barbara. He was also predeceased by his “favorite” father-in-law and mother-in-law, Burton and Olena Cross, in addition to sisters-in-law, Tina Cross, Nancy Worthing, Josephine Butler and brother-in-law, Robert Worthing.

Dad brought so much happiness to our family, his friends, and communities. He wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida for years and developed many friendships. He donated gallons of life-giving blood, created beautiful arrangements for churches and neighbors, and finally he created the most beautiful gardens at the Southport Homestead. Dad was also known for his gifted role as Santa Claus to several generations of families that visited the Butler Twins Christmas Open Houses for decades. Butler Twins was an extended family, community-oriented business as he supported and sponsored many local events in the area. Dad volunteered with VisionAware in the therapeutic horticulture program at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses. He lived life to the fullest, loving his family, joking with his friends, bettering his community, always thankful for all he was blessed with in love and life!

The family would like to thank those angels at Beacon Hospice for making it possible for Dad to remain at home.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 16, followed by a Memorial Service at noon also at the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed and recorded on the funeral home’s website listed below for those who cannot attend. Committal prayers along with military honors will take place at Forest Grove Cemetery in Augusta after the service.  The family is kindly asking and appreciating that guests wear masks for Richard’s services.

Donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Drive, Suite A, Augusta, ME 04330 or to a charity of your choice in his name.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family through the Knowlton & Hewins link at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are under the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, 623-8722.