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.
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, 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 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!
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