The Philadelphia Inquirer - September 10, 1998

WEST CHESTER LAWYER, 84 A funeral service for Thomas Richard Butler, 84, a prominent West Chester attorney who died of congestive heart failure Sept. 3 at his home, will begin at noon Sept. 18 at his home on Goshen Road in Newtown Square.

A 1939 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Mr. Butler began practicing in West Chester after serving in the Navy during World War II. He continued his law practice there until his death, as senior partner in the firm of Butler, Griffen & Mannix.

Mr. Butler was the son of Gen. Smedley D. Butler, the turn-of-the-century ''fighting Quaker'' whom Gen. Douglas MacArthur declared one of America's great generals.
Mr. Butler maintained an extensive display of his father's uniforms, swords, medals, battle souvenirs and photographs.

He was a past president and former board member of the Chester County Bar Association. He served on the boards of Chester County Hospital, Brandywine Battlefield Park Commission, the Malvern Institute, and the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks. He was a member of the Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Clubs.

He is survived by a nephew and three nieces. Burial will follow the service at Oaklands Cemetery, West Goshen Township.

Thomas R Butler