[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E646-E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DEACON CALVIN O. BUTTS II

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, April 27, 2014, the Village of 
Harlem, New York and the Village of East Elmhurst, Queens, New York 
came together to celebrate the life of Deacon Calvin Otis Butts, II, 
father of our beloved Reverend Dr. Calvin Otis Butts, III, Senior 
Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church. The celebration took place at the 
First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst, where Deacon Calvin O. Butts, II 
served the Lord and its ministry.
  The celebration included the wonderful voices of the Abyssinian 
Baptist Church Mass Choir and the breathtaking and gospel and sound of 
the First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst Ministry of Music. The 
Baptist were certainly in the house as preachers from all over the City 
of New York crowded into the sanctuary to displayed their love and 
support to the Butts Family. The Reverend Patrick H. Young presided 
over the services and the Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III eulogized 
his father as only a proud and loving son could do. It was one of the 
most touching and delightful eulogies that captured our thoughts, our 
minds and our hearts.
  I submit the obituary that was prepared detailing the wonderful life 
of Deacon Calvin Otis Butts, II:

                     The Life of Calvin O. Butts II

       Calvin Otis Butts, II was born on December 5, 1922 in 
     Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Calvin Otis Butts, Sr. and Verdie 
     Branch.
       The second of eight siblings (Melba, Calvin II, Robert, 
     Nadine, Elestine, Jerry, Joan Blondell, and Joseph) from that 
     union, he grew up learning to love and trust God at the Salem 
     First Baptist Church. This solid foundation of faith would 
     strengthen and sustain him throughout his entire life. In his 
     youth, Calvin served as a Western Union delivery boy, at that 
     time a position not usually given to African Americans. The 
     messengers' motto was ``Take pride in your job and in your 
     appearance,'' words that clearly had an influence on him 
     through the years.
       While in Fitzgerald, Calvin met Eloise Edwards, from nearby 
     Ocilla, Georgia. He accompanied her to her high school prom, 
     which was the beginning of a love that would endure for over 
     six decades.
       After attending Monitor High School, Calvin moved to 
     Corona, Queens, New York, with his older half-brothers, James 
     and Leon. He first worked in retail sales until he enlisted 
     in the United States Army in 1942. He served tours in Europe, 
     the Middle East and Africa, earning three Distinguished 
     Service Medals and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant 
     before his honorable discharge in 1945.
       Upon his return to New York, Calvin began working as a 
     butcher. He joined the Meat Cutter's Union, and eventually 
     became a chef at the Black Angus restaurant, a job he held 
     for 25 years. He then went on to work for the City Of New 
     York as a chef at the Bruener Home for Boys in the Bronx. 
     Calvin also took care of some unfinished business, marrying 
     his former prom date, Eloise Edwards, on September 14, 1947--
     a marriage that lasted 66\1/2\ years, and produced one son, 
     Calvin Otis Butts III.
       Mr. Butts was a man of integrity who stood on the Solid 
     Rock of Jesus Christ, and

[[Page E647]]

     it was apparent in every aspect of his life. He was a 
     lifetime member of the NAACP, and as a testament to his faith 
     and service, Mr. Butts was ordained as a Deacon at the First 
     Baptist Church of East Elmhurst, where he was also a member 
     of the Men's Chorus.
       Deacon Butts was also a good father. He was unwavering in 
     his support, and took pride in the accomplishments of his 
     son. He made sure that Calvin III, got an excellent education 
     from Morehouse College. Even as his strength began to wane, 
     you could still hear the respect and pride in Deacon Butts' 
     voice when he extended his hand and greeted his song with a 
     strong and clear, ``Dr. Butts.''
       Deacon Calvin Otis Butts, II transitioned from labor to 
     reward on April 21, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife, 
     Eloise; his son and daughter-in-law, Calvin III and Patricia 
     Butts; sisters Nadine Nealy, Elestine (Richard) Holloway, and 
     Joan Blondell Williams; sisters-in-law Rosalee Butts and Emma 
     Nell Butts; grandchildren Calvin IV (Tiffany). Alexander 
     (Dina), and Patricia Jeanne; great-grandchildren Kyla Jeanne, 
     Alexander II, Calvin V, Arthur Andrew, Reed Harris, and Ethan 
     Nathaniel; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and 
     friends.
       ``For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my 
     departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have 
     finished my course, I have kept my faith; Henceforth there is 
     laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the 
     righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me 
     only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.'' 2 
     Timothy 4:6-8

  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my esteem colleagues to join me in 
honoring the Life of Deacon Calvin Otis Butts II.

                          ____________________