Jerry Frank Butler, 87, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at his home.

He was born at home on the family farm outside of Lingle, Wyoming, on April 17, 1938, an Easter baby and the eighth of eight sons to Hugh and Helen (Randolph) Butler.

Jerry graduated from Lingle High School, Class of 1957. He attended Goshen County Community College and the University of Wyoming. He received his PhD in Entomology from Cornell University. He joined the University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology in June of 1968 where he served as a medical and veterinary entomologist. He retired in July of 2003 as Professor Emeritus but continued to go to work until 2016.

Jerry's career as an entomologist spanned creating DEET-free MosquitoSafe, TickSafe, and FireAntSafe repellants, to assisting law enforcement in more than 40 homicide investigations by using insect evidence to determine time of death. He was a dedicated mentor who guided more than 80 graduate students, 31 masters, 34 doctoral and 15 post-doctoral, many of whom went on to serve as medical entomologists in the military and across the country. His forensic expertise was sought in some of Florida's most notable cases, including triple homicides and the illegal shooting of an endangered Florida panther, where his analysis of insect activity helped investigators uncover critical details. Throughout his career he earned multiple teaching and research awards, secured over 87 US and international patents, and authored more than 80 scientific papers, extension bulletins, and book chapters.

He was an artist at heart, carving wood and stone, and modeling clay. He was also an avid photographer who contributed many of his images to his and others' publications. He loved to travel, across the country and around the world, whether for work or simply for the joy of seeing new places. Above all, he cherished time with his family.

He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, was a faithful member of the men's lunch group and served for many years as an elder and as the head of the property and operation committee.

He is survived by his second wife of 11 years, Lois; daughter Kelly (Tom) Edens and son Scott Butler (André Torres); Lois' children Angela (Robbie) Monk and Ben (Nancy) Semer; grandson Jared Edens; Tom's children Patrick Edens and Jessica (John) Cabrera; great granddaughter, Imani Edens; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; first wife of 47 years, Marilyn Shoemaker Butler; brothers and sisters-in-law, William, Theodore (Betty), Hugh (Viginia), John (Pansy), George (Lotus), Roy (Jo) and Glen (Bonnie).

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 NW 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 with Rev. Larry Green officiating.

Memorial contribution may be made to Grace Presbyterian Memorial Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Ave Gainesville, FL 32609...352-378-2528