Henry Clyde "Hank" Buterbaugh II

August 16, 1937 - November 8, 2024

Our hearts are heavy with sadness at the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Henry "Hank" Clyde Buterbaugh II of Austin/Round Rock, Texas. He died at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday evening, November 8, 2024, and was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. His precious heart just wore out at the age of eighty-seven.

What does it mean to be called a hero? The Oxford-English Dictionary defines "Hero" as a person who is admired for their courage or outstanding achievements. By any and all means, Henry "Hank" Buterbaugh was a hero and an inspiration to all he met.

His parents, Dean Royden Buterbaugh and Viola Lillian Eger settled in Spokane, Washington, where Hank was conceived (he was very quick to mention this fact). He was born in the great state of Pennsylvania- Altoona to be exact- as his parents moved to be closer to family… a priority and value.

Sadly, Henry lost his dad at the young age of nine years old and performed his first heroic act. He took on the responsibility of helping his mother and older brother David raise his three younger sisters, Iris, Marian, and Deana, and his younger brother, John.

His second act of courage began at seventeen when he joined the Army to serve his country after graduating high school. He was stationed in Germany. After his return to the United States, Henry took the initiative to continue his education at Penn State University, pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. To this day, he is a staunch supporter of Penn State, especially the football team! During this time, Henry married Romaine and fathered three beautiful little boys, John, Mark and Steven.

Upon graduating from Penn State, Henry began a long, productive, and enjoyable career with IBM. Poughkeepsie, New York was his first stop, followed by several years in Boca Rotan, Florida, where he was part of the team that created OS2- still a gold standard for current operating systems. Then, true to the popular catchphrase of IBM – "I've Been Moved" – Henry relocated to Austin, Texas… his final destination. He retired from IBM after 32 years of service.

While living in Austin, Henry underwent two major changes… First, he loved track and field as well as baseball and received the nickname "Hank" from his coworkers as a nod to Hank Aaron. Secondly, Hank met his wife, Vicki, of thirty-three years, at a Christmas Party. Married in June of 1991, Hank gladly and proudly married Vicki's three children, Courtney, age 11, Brittanie, Age 9, and Trent, age 7… yet another heroic challenge met.

Post IBM, having taken a wife sixteen years younger than himself, Hank began a second career with National Instruments that lasted fourteen years… part of his strong work ethic and just another heroic endeavor.

Throughout his long life of eighty-seven years, Hank fought and overcame personal illness challenges with a hero's attitude and profound gratitude. His physicians often remarked that he must be a veteran as he fought valiantly.

Henry "Hank" was preceded in death by his father, Dean; mother, Viola; brother, David; and son, Steven. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki; sons and their wives; daughters and their husbands; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren… all dear to his heart. Forever and always, Hank will be remembered by his beloved family and friends as a true hero, and he will be greatly missed by all.

Our family deeply appreciates all the many, many healthcare professionals, especially Arthur Smith, MD and the Heart Hospital of Austin for the care they provided for Henry over the course of his lifetime.

Several memorials for Henry "Hank" Buterbaugh are planned in order to accommodate all his many friends and family members. The first service will be held on Friday, November 29th, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Cook Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 N. IH 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. A second memorial will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church at a yet to be determined date and time.

In lieu of flowers, we would deeply appreciate a donation to the non-profit Folds of Honor, serving our country's veterans, or to Penn State University to honor Henry's memory.