Walter W. “Butch” Persing, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at The Gatehouse. Born on November 14, 1944, in Shamokin, to the late Charles A. Persing and Hazel M. (Ross) Persing, Butch was a man whose humor and love enriched the lives of all who knew him.
Butch graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1962 and soon after bravely served his country as a Navy veteran during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His love for cooking led him to begin his career as a chef, sharing his culinary talents at various restaurants. Later, he transitioned into the foundry industry, where he dedicated many years of service in Watsontown and Charlotte, NC. Butch’s commitment to his community was further demonstrated through his active involvement as a Mason of the Dietrick Lamade Lodge #755.
Butch was a man who embraced life with enthusiasm. His passion for golf was evident as he spent countless hours playing on leagues and watching games on television. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting, fishing, and picking blueberries out of his garden. His competitive spirit shone through in his enjoyment of bowling at ABC Lanes in Williamsport and his keen interest in watching women’s basketball and Little League Baseball games.
His life was shared with his loving wife of 32 years, Patricia “Pattie” (Shenk) Persing; four children: Karin Andy (Kevin) of Lewisburg, Terry Persing of Williamsport, Jacob Young (Lisa) of Charlotte, NC, and Allison Marsh (Jeremy) of Ocean Springs, MS; nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Butch is also survived by his four siblings, Robert Persing (Maureen) of Raleigh, NC, Peggy Shahan of Shamokin, Susan Thomson of Middletown, and Keith Persing (Dawn) of Monroeville, and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Dave Miller, and his brother and sister-in-law, Byron and Diane Persing.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Butch’s name to the Susquehanna Health Foundation, c/o The Gatehouse, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary.
Online condolences may be expressed on Walter’s memorial page at http://www.SandersMortuary.com
