Pharez Elon Butler

Pharez Elon Butler graced the world with his presence on October 18, 1986 and was called home

to be with the Lord on September 9, 2025. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada to Michael and Maxine

Butler. Pharez was baptized at Greater Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, and would attend service when he was in town. He attended Will Beckley Elementary School, Brinley Middle School, and Cimarron Memorial High School. He went on to serve 2 years in the United States Marine Corps.

Pharez was determined to be a success—whose creativity and hard work allowed him to live out his dream. He found joy and freedom in motorcycles, taking after his big brother Maceo who also loves motorcycles. Of course, anything Maceo did he wanted to do as well. They enjoyed riding together and had a special bond.

His entrepreneurial journey began with his passion for music, where he transformed his talent into a career that reached far beyond Las Vegas. He became a popular DJ in Osaka, Japan, performing with the Minami Boyz and establishing himself as DJ Vegas. His ability to connect with people, build relationships, and create opportunities left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Pharez would go on to be an Over-the-Road truck driver, which took him all across the country. He dedicated a lot of time to be successful in that field and would later become an Owner/Operator. Pharez called his Mother almost every day on some of those long drives, and it didn’t matter what time he called—she made sure to answer. Anything to know her Son was safe.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted mother Maxine Butler, father Michael Butler; three sisters Sonji McTear, Lisa Lacen-Butler (John), and Royalle Butler; one brother Maceo Butler; four children; Destiny, Deon, Sophia, and Zake; five uncles Jesse Randall (Rose), James R. Walker, James Butler (Cathy), Maceo Butler (Dianne), and John Butler (Maurella); four aunts Helen Burns, Carol Manual-Butler (George), Joyce Witherspoon-Butler (Fred), and Jo Wassyihun-Butler (Kebret); four nephews Julian Daniels, DaShon Butler, Jayden Butler, and Pierson Butler; one niece Kiara Butler; and cousin Rodney C. Boatner Jr., who was as close as a brother. His childhood friends; Edgar Hernandez, Anthony Masella, and Mike Masella. He also leaves behind a host of special cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Pharez was preceded in death by his Grandmother Sylvia L. Johnston, uncle Calvin Walker, aunts Lillie Nash, Kassie Boatner, and Mattie Flanagan; Big cousins Carlos Burns, Monica Flanagan, Jessie D. Flanagan, Lamar “Man” Banks, Kareem “Rajhon” Hunt, and Justin Burns.

The family would also like to acknowledge his DJ family in Osaka, Japan — DJ J Amour, DJ Chux, and DJ Mugen — for honoring Pharez and embracing him with love and respect.

We lost you way too soon, and our hearts ache. We will hold on to the good times that we got to share with you. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in Paradise.