Christopher Thomas Button

Button, Christopher Thomas Christopher Thomas Button, 58, was freed from his broken, earthly body on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005. He died peacefully at home at 5:15 p.m., surrounded by those who loved him, including his faithful cat, Buster. Chris was born Sept. 10, 1947, in Baton Rouge. Known as Tommy in his youth, Chris was proud to have grown up in North Baton Rouge, where he graduated from Redemptorist High School in 1965. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1966, serving for four years. In 1973, he graduated from LSU, serving as president of Pi Sigma Epsilon marketing fraternity. For the next 20 years, Chris made his mark in the Baton Rouge marketing and advertising community through The Advertising Company, Grapevine Communications, Root and Associates and Premier Bank. He and his beloved wiener dog, Mars, founded and operated Red Planet Productions from 1995 until Mars' death in late 2002. Chris' failing health from his decades-long struggle with ankylosing spondylitis led to his difficult decision in August 2004 to shut down Red Planet, and in September 2004, Chris suffered a life-altering fall at home, ultimately resulting in a spinal cord injury that left him an incomplete quadriplegic. Through his many physical trials, Chris never lost his charm, wit, unique sense of style and his ability to tell an incredible story or two. Chris is survived his wife, Lynn Chatelain Dias-Button; daughter, Becky Button of Oakland, Calif.; stepson, Morgan "M.J." Dias; stepdaughter, Karin Dias; father and stepmother, Alvin "Bubs" and Joanne Button, Lafayette; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Dennis Davoren, Baton Rouge; brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Mike and Carolyn Button, Dickinson, Texas; nieces, Mary Button, Alicia Suarez and Christine Suarez; nephew, Tommy Button; aunts, Audrey Giroir of Baton Rouge and "Nanny" Migues, Lafayette; and a number of cousins. Also missing Chris' innate ability to answer obscure Trivial Pursuit questions correctly are his mother-in-law, Earline Chatelain; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Madeline and Butch Muir and Jane and Rick Thornhill; and Lynn's nieces and nephews. Chris was blessed with many caring friends, notably John Greene, who has given so generously of himself, and Mickey Hebert, who always could make Chris laugh. Special thanks go to the corporate communications department of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for their love and support over the past year. Chris has reunited with his loved ones in heaven, including his mother, Ruth Migues Button; grandparents, aunts and uncles, especially his favorite uncle, "Big Al" Giroir; and beloved pets Jupiter, Mars, Christina and Vlad. Per Chris' wishes, his body was cremated. A memorial Mass honoring Chris will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the church of his youth, St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church, with childhood friend, the Rev. Sam Maranto, officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with Mass at 11 a.m. As much as Chris loved flowers, he loved animals more, so those wishing to remember Chris are asked to contribute to an animal assistance organization of their choice, especially rescue organizations for dachshunds and cats.