Butch Oxner
January 5, 1954 ~ August 4, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailH.P. “Butch” Oxner, Jr., 71, passed unexpectedly on Monday, August 4, 2025. He was born in Buncombe County to Peggy Eileen Robinson Oxner and the late Holly Patton Oxner, Sr.
In addition to his mother, Butch is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicki Oxner; son, Brian Oxner; brother, Steve (Marisa) Oxner; sisters, Pam (Eddie) Murray and Melanie (Louis) Gibson; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, as well as many great friends.
For many years Butch worked as a Detective with the Asheville Police Department. He was honored to be named as one of the first of four Master Police Officers in Asheville. Prior to his police work, he was one of the first EMTs in Asheville. He was a loyal member of West Asheville Baptist Church where he also served as a Deacon. He was a one-of-a-kind friend. All who met him remembered his joy, kindness, compassion, truthfulness, and servant’s heart. He loved his Savior, and held his friends and family close to his heart. Butch was active in his community, volunteering with his church, and helping with disaster relief in Fairview following Hurricane Helene. After he retired, Butch spent his time doing many things, including visiting his fellow church members, and refurbishing furniture. Butch was a dear friend to many, and he will be missed by all.
His family will be receiving friends at West Asheville Baptist Church on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with the service following at 3:30 p.m. The Revs. Ken Lewis and Stan Welch will officiate. Burial will then take place at Green Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Asheville Baptist Building Fund, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: August 9, 2025 2:00 pm
West Asheville Baptist Church
926 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 253-9824
http://www.westashevillebaptist.org
Funeral Service: August 9, 2025 3:30 pm
West Asheville Baptist Church
926 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 253-9824
http://www.westashevillebaptist.org
Burial: August 9, 2025 4:30 pm
Green Hills Cemetery
25 New Leicester Hwy.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-9831
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
So sorry for your loss Butch was a very kind hearted man and will be missed greatly
Butch is going to be missed by so many. He was always where everyone needed a sweet smile and a good hand shake and a hug. God called him home and we will see him again some day.
Vicki and family, We are so very sorry for your loss! Butch was such a kind and caring person. Praying for God to give you the peace, comfort and strength that only He can.
Vicki and family so sad to hear of Butch’s passing, Jackie and myself will be keeping you in our prayers. You and Butch have always been great neighbors and we will miss him stopping as he drove by to check on us and make sure everything was ok, he always never failed to have a smile on his face. John &Jackie Sparks
Vicki, Brian, Steve & family. Love and prayers are with you and your family in this very sad time.
Vicki and family so sad to hear of Butch’s passing, Jackie and myself will be keeping you in our prayers. You and Butch have always been great neighbors and we will miss him stopping as he drove by to check on us and make sure everything was ok, he always never failed to have a smile on his face. John & Jackie Sparks
Vickie, Peggy, Brian, Pam, Melanie, Steve, and your all dear family, Our love and prayers for Jesus’ comfort and strength in adapting to this huge loss of a truly irreplaceable man. Bruce and Rachel
Vickie, Peggy, Brian, Pam, Melanie, Steve, and all dear family, Our love and prayers for Jesus’ comfort and strength in adapting to this huge loss of a truly irreplaceable man. Bruce and Rachel
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Butch, and send our thoughts and condolences to the family.
Eddy & Jennie Gaddy
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. I worked with Butch for many years at the police department. He was always smiling and willing to lend a hand or offer advice. Rest in peace sir!
Love in Christ,
Thom & Marsha
We will miss Butch so much. He was a wonderful friend in Christ. We so enjoyed the trip to Israel with Vi ki and Butch. Butch’s sense of humor we will always remember ❤️. So glad that we all see you again.
Butch was a great guy and solid in the faith! He was a great friend and mentor! He loved his family, his church, and had many friends! How he will be missed!
Butch was one of my closet friends during our time at APD. I knew him most of my life and he was so special to me. He was an example for all of us to follow. I know he in Heaven with Jesus we talked about that reunion so many times. I will miss you brother but it want be long until we are all together in glory. God Bless Vickie and family.
Upon learning about Butch’s death, my thoughts have initially been about the tremendous sadness and loss of this unexpected tragedy. Those thoughts will linger in the days to come, and I know they are shared by many others. The offset are memories of the joys and huge impact he had on those of us fortunate enough to experience him. Butch was my best childhood friend, and that friendship has entangled my entire life.
Early on, he was my mischief co-conspirator, and we both later realized most of our clandestine exploits were well known by his parents. He shared his family with me, including camping trips on the big blue bus. We doubled-dated together, including with our eventual wives. Notably, Butch was the best man at my wedding, one of my Dad’s pallbearers, and he and Vicki were part of both my kids’ weddings. He was consistently present for many of my celebrations and sadnesses over the years. All were unique gifts, just as his death is a unique loss.
Rest in peace, my dear friend…. We will reminisce and laugh together one day.
Jim Naves
Momma sends her love and prayers as well.
Lisa (Felmet) McCain
Barbara Felmet
So very sorry for your loss🙏
I never knew Butch personally but Vicki & I worked together at Wachovia Bank for many years and Steve & Marisa are dear friends to me.
I knew Butch from law enforcement and West Asheville Baptist Church. There was no finer person around. Had biggest heart in Asheville.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Few men ever impressed me as much as Butch. He was one of the finest men I ever knew. His personal kindness to my late mother after she was robbed will never be forgotten. Rest easy old friend.
Mrs. Vickie, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Butch was always so nice to Hermon and me.
Hermon and Selina Rector
I am so sorry, I will be praying for you and Peggy
Agnes Ward
Vicki and Peggy,
Butch was always so welcoming and kind to everyone who walked in the doors of the church. He was one of those first persons you saw coming into the sanctuary and always with a smile on his face and a kind word. He will be missed by so many. I know the coming days ahead will be difficult for you both; but, what a blessing knowing he is in Heaven.
Our love, prayers, and sympathy,
Tony and Doris Sellers
My forever buddy!
My forever buddy! I will always be his little darling! Thats what he called me.
We love you both and will forever grateful that we call you friends. You know Butch is shouting Hallelujahs with Jesus! Praise the Lord we will see him again! Praying for your broken heart Vickie and Peggy. Love you all and praying for you!
Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you and your loved ones upon the passing of Butch. Mike went to AHS with Butch and always considered him a great friend. I really appreciate the kindness you and Butch showed to my mother at WABC. She thought the world of both of you. He was always kidding around with her and making her laugh and smile. He will be missed for certain.
I also am so sorry that you lost your mom. I didn’t know about it until yesterday. She worked in the daycare when I worked in the church office. Such a sweet and friendly person. She will be missed.
Love,
Mike and Rhonda Jarvis
Bob, Jean, Mike, Lisa, Philip and Angie Fisher
We will miss talking to butch on the phone he was so kind and a pleasure to talk to H will be in a better place
Peggy and family,
So sorry to hear of Butch going to his heavenly home. I know this is a great loss for many here on earth but a great celebration in heaven.
I remember many times Butch going home with my family after church on Sunday. I have two younger brothers that spent lots of time, especially summer with Butch. At this time in our lives we all attended Emma Baptist Church.
If there is joy in this, it is knowing where Butch is now. He was a wonderful person to know. Let Miss Peggy know that Linda Fowler Barnes sends my love and prayers to Butch’s family and friends.
What a wonderful man and dedicated Christian! I graduated from high school with Butch and was so sad to hear of his passing! Love to his family during this time of sadness!
Vickie, I am so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. Praying for you and your family.
Butch was a good neighbor and friend to our family he will be missed but his smile is something I will remember he was so kind to us over the years he will be missed but never forgotten
Love and prayers for the family
May God bless yall during this time
If you ever need anything we are here for you!
Rest In Peace
Jeffery Jones
We worked with Butch for several years at the Asheville Police Department. He was always willing to assist his fellow officers and other other employees. He always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts are with his family.
Butch was truly a Christian man and left a lasting impression on both his APD family and his West Asheville Baptist Church family. He never met a stranger and always was willing to lend an ear and a helping hand. Rest in peace Butch and bless Vicki and the Oxner family.
Butch was a very humble and generous person. As a APD officer he was a mentor and an example for everyone to follow. When I first started working for APD he was always willing to help others.
…..meant to add. I know and am convinced because Jesus promised us this … Butch will hear the greatest words ever said Well done you good and faithful servant.
Steve,and family
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. Butch was a great man,a true mentor and a great coworker. He will truly be missed and will go unforgettable. Your family is in my prayer in your time of grief.
My dear friend Butch. We grew up together. I honestly can’t remember when we didn’t know each other. Every time we ran into each other on the street or while working next door to each other it was like a family reunion. We shared such good times. Butch, you and Pat save my seat at the Master’s table. I’ll be there soon enough.
Sorry to hear about your loss, I knew and worked with Butch when I was an SBI Agent in Asheville. He will surely be missed, he was a great person and friend.
Vicki, Steve, Marisa, and dear Peggy, my heart breaks of the news of the passing of Butch! He always had a smile on his face no matter when you saw him! The love of God always showed on his face! I know that Heaven is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus! My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family🙏🙏
Vickie,
There is not enough room here to mention all the memories that include Butch working with me and memories of our joint investigations assisting each other to successful conclusions. I didn’t expect to lose Butch so soon.
After we both retired we planned to get together more and reminisce about the cases, people and experiences we shared from the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s & 2000’s. The Love and Great Memories live on. Tim
Butch was a wonderful person and a gracious man. I am so glad to have known him. I am truly saddened by his loss but am eternally grateful that he is with his lord in Heaven. Rest in peace Butch.
Deborah M. McCarson
Vicki and family, we are so sad to hear of Butch’s passing. What a winsome man he was. Jesus showed through in all he did. We feel so fortunate to have known Butch and called him friend and brother in Christ. Our prayers are with you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Butch will be deeply missed. It’s comforting to know we’ll see him again.
Butch was one of the most respected and kind cops I’ve know. He was someone other cops held in the highest regard. I enjoyed every time we worked together. It’s not often that kindness, a sense of humor, and professionalism mesh. This was Butch. I hope to see him again.
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss
We are so sorry for your loss. I worked at APD with Butch both on Patrol and in CID. One of the best things I remember about Butch was his love for the Lord and his heart and compassion for others. He was also one of the best investigative interviewers I have ever seen. We grieve, but not as those who have no hope.
Till we meet again sweet friend. The Metcalf family loves you. You will be greatly missed. ♥️🙌🏻
Vicki, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. Praying for God’s peace that passes all understanding. 🙏💕
Sincere condolences to the family! This community has lost a treasure!
Annette Coleman
Retired Bank of America
My sincere sympathy to all of the family. I grew up with Butch and Steve attending Grace Baptist Church. Such wonderful and heartfelt memories I hold.
May the good Lord hold all of you especially close at this time of loss.
With our heartfelt sympathy during this most difficult time.
God be with you. The Jerry and Betty Plemmons family.
So sorry to hear of Butch passing. He and I began our law enforcement career together in 1974, and worked together for many years. He was a great guy.