Loren Leonard Butler II, 84, of Lumberton, NC, died Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Glenflora Nursing Care in Lumberton, NC. He was born in Leola, Arkansas to Loren Leslie Butler and Lela Connor Butler Hayes on October 25, 1925.

He is survived by his daughter, Lorell Augusta Victoria Butler of Chicago, IL. He was married to Mary Lou Meachum Butler for 49 years until her death in 2006. Mr. Butler taught History at UNCP from 1966 to 1994. He earned his B.A. and M.A. in History at the University of Arkansas and did additional graduate work at the University of South Carolina. In 1980, he was awarded a grant from the National Endowment of Humanities to study Byzantine History at the American School for Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. The school in Athens also awarded him a Honorary Ph.D.

A veteran of WW II, Professor Butler was known for his fascination with military uniforms, including his participation in the American Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Floyd Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with the funeral to follow at 11:00 AM with Dr. David Elks officiating.

Donations may be contributed to: Loren Butler Memorial History Scholarship at University of North Carolina at Pembroke.