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Pierce C. Butler
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Services were held for Pierce C. Butler, 81, of Ceres. He died at his home on Feb. 3, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Born Nov. 29, 1928 in Pontiac, Mich., Pierce graduated from St. Cloud College and served in the Army before moving to Ceres in 1956. He started a coaching career at Ceres High School the day they dedicated the brand new gymnasium. Coach Butler coached boy's baseball, football, and basketball and served as Athletic Director between 1956-67, while also working for Banker's Life Insurance company part time. Pierce resigned from coaching in 1967, and in 1973 was elected to the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees, and was re-elected eight times, serving until 1997. In 1980, Pierce was asked to coach the Ceres High girls' basketball team. Pierce coached the girls' team for 13 years, and won six league championships. In 2008, Coach Butler was inducted into the Ceres High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He leaves behind his wife, Wanda Butler of Ceres; six children, David Butler, Patrick Butler, Beverly Soares, Holly Butler, Chris Butler and Denise Butler; his sister, Pat Mertz of St. Paul, Minn.; and seven grandchildren and three stepdaughters.

-Ceres Courier /February 17, 2010