Arthur "Butch" Veral Cahala

Arthur “Butch” Veral Cahala, of Jerome, Idaho passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on January 8, 1945, in Hailey, Idaho, Butch was the son of Robert E. and Marcella Fitzgerald Cahala. He grew up with a strong work ethic, a deep love for the outdoors, and a personality that left an impression on everyone he met.

Butch proudly served in the United States Navy before building a long career as a tree faller in Northern Idaho, where he worked for more than twenty years. After returning to Jerome, he continued his hardworking ways at Franklin Building Supply, Waco, and later as a milk hauler for over fourteen years.

Butch was, without question, one of the craziest, nuttiest, most loving souls anyone could encounter. He delighted in teasing kids, often pretending to pop worms or slugs into his mouth just to get a reaction. Wherever he went, he made friends who lasted a lifetime.

An avid hunter, Butch lived for the fall season. If he had his way, he would have spent every day on a mountainside searching for elk, deer, or antelope. He was always eager to take someone new into the hills, hoping to help them get their first animal. His generosity ran deep; if someone was in need, he did everything in his power to help.

Butch will forever be missed. His family takes comfort in imagining him reunited with the many loved ones who went before him- out there somewhere scanning the ridges for the biggest elk he can find.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcella and Bob Cahala; four siblings, Jesse, Bobby, Steve, and Alice; and two of his closest lifelong friends, Carl and Adolph.

He is survived by four siblings, Ernie, Muriel, Carlyle, and Angela; his wife of 28 years (together for 43 years), Mildred “Millie” Cahala; and his children. Butch has four children, and one child who, not his by blood, was his in every other way. His daughter, Marcie (James “Red”) Crosland, grandchild, Jason Crosland, great grandchild, Juliette; grandchild, Robert Sanchez, great grandchild, Terrel; grandchild, Meghan Crosland, and great grandchildren, DaKato, BrawLee, Meryda, and Gerriuh; daughter, Sheila (Lee) Haskell, grandchild, Courtney; son, Anthony (Maggie) Cahala, grandchildren, Austin, Tristan, Melody, Gabriel, and AJ Gomez; daughter, Sarah (Travis) Compton, grandchild, Hudson; and son, Joe (Rainey) Jackson, grandchildren, Wiley, Jazzy, and Lilly.

A Celebration of Butch’s Life will be held at Noon, Friday, October 9, 2026, at the American Legion Hall, 107 7th Ave E, Jerome, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Butch’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.