Thomas Randle "Tom" Butts

When I was working on my Masters, I had the opportunity to be in several different classes taught by Doctor Butts. Our classes use to give him grief by telling him he was single handedly deforesting the rain forest with all the papers he gave us. He was inspiring, compassionate about his work, and will always be remembered with deep respect. Rest well, doc.

I am so sorry to read of the loss of Dr. Butts -- I happened upon this obituary when I searched for him for an entirely different reason.

Dr. Butts was an angel to me in a very difficult part of my life. I owe who I am today to the doors he opened up for me.

Please accept my belated condolences.

I'm thanking you for your kindness that will always be part of me as long I live. Your kindness has shown me that there is no variance when it comes to humanity.
I just don't think of you as an educator or a professor, but also an angel sent from Heaven to spread love and kindness. I say this because as a student, I have never known any professor who would allow students to drop their homework off at his home, but you did. With your motivation and dedication, you nurtured us like flowers...

My deepest condolences to Tom's sister Nancy and the entire family. Tom sounds like he was such a wonderfully accomplished and passionate man.

My deepest condolences for your loss. May memories of joyful times together and the comforting promises found in God's Word bring you strength, hope and peace 2Thessalonians 2:16, 17.

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

May the God of all comfort and mercy, grant your family hope, and comfort during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11

My sincere condolences for your loss. When I came to Michigan State as a first-year graduate student fresh out of a small college, the culture of such a large and highly ranked mathematics department left me anxious and concerned. But then Tom led a session for all new graduate teaching assistants addressing both expectations and teaching approaches. At that point, for the first time, I thought that maybe in fact I did belong there. Tom was a reliable, effective mentor for many of us as we...

Dr Butts, was and will always be my favorite professor. He inspired me to be the best caring, inquisitive, and knowledgeable Math professor I could be.He truly will be missed.

Condolences to his family.

Sincerely,
Leticia Escobar and family