Robert R. “Butch” Butler, Jr., age 79, of Burleson, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023.
A memorial service for Butch will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 28 at Heartland Funeral Home in Early.
Butch was born to Robert and Edra Butler on September 27, 1944, in Brownwood. He met the love of his life, Mary Jo Awalt, and married her June 8, 1962, in Rising Star. Butch attended Cisco Junior College and then graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1967, with a Bachelor of Science. He had a long career in Education, as both a Teacher (Social Studies, Health, P.E., Driver’s Education) and a Coach (Football, Basketball, Track): Early High School 1967-1969, Rankin High School 1969-1973, Rocksprings High School 1973-1974, Early High School 1974-1981, Breckenridge High School 1981-1991, Coleman High School 1991-1992, Santo High School 1992-1996.
Butch was always active and enjoyed football, water skiing and dancing. He was Baptist and had attended Early Church before moving to Burleson, to be closer to family.
Butch is survived by his son, Jody Butler and Tonya Stevenson-Blackwell of Brock, Texas; his daughter, Jojo Dowden and her husband Bryant of Burleson, Texas; his brother, Kenny Butler of Cross Plains, Texas; his sister, Sara McGowen Poynor and Grant of Branson, Missouri; sister-in-law Judy Butler of Inez, Texas; grandchildren, Kalli Colbert of Lubbock, Texas, Cordell Butler of Tucson, Arizona and Audrey Butler of Springfield, Illinois; great-granddaughter, Hadlee Kay Colbert, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Butch was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Mary Jo Butler; his parents, Robert and Edra Butler; a granddaughter, Taylor Lynn Colbert; a brother-in-law, David McGowen; and a niece, Leslie McGowen Heskett.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Butch’s honor may be sent to James L. West Center for Dementia Care at http:www.jameslwest.org/donate-now/ or call 817 877-1199.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net