John Michael "Mike" Butler

BUTLER - John Michael "Mike", was born on April 4, 1933 in Oklahoma City, to James Byron and Mabelle Butler. He had one brother, Larry Eugene Butler, who preceded him in death. He moved to Tulsa at a young age and attended Marquette School at Christ the King Catholic Church, graduating in 1951. He was drafted into the Army out of high school and served in Germany for 2 years after which time he received an honorable discharge. Mike met the love of his life, Dora Maria Gomez from Colombia, South America on February 19, 1961. He proposed to her by telling her to call her family and tell them she was not coming home. They were married on November 11, 1961. Every year Mike gave Dora beautiful cards to celebrate the day they met. Their first child, Kenneth Michael Butler, was born on November 23, 1962 followed by a second son, Robert Kevin Butler on June 15, 1965. A third son, Thomas Cosby Ellis joined the family in 1976. Mike went to drafting school after his military service and worked for Seismograph Service Corporation as a junior production engineer, retiring after 30 years. Around the time his son Kevin decided to attend law school, Mike went to work at Builder's Square for several years. He was passionate about volunteering and served as a mentor at several Tulsa public schools, receiving the Mentor of the Year Award in 2002. He was a member of Christ the King Men's Club and a member and past president of the Marquette School Reunion Committee. His service to Christ the King included the position of head usher for many years. Words cannot describe the generosity Mike extended to others including support of Dora's family in Colombia, often times without her knowledge. Numerous times during the last 40 years he opened his home to friends and family in dire circumstances extending them unconditional love and support. He was an example of integrity, love and true friendship to everyone who knew him. Mike's grandchildren were his world and he adored every minute he spent with them. He was known as "Poopa" to everyone who loved him. Mike is survived by: soul mate and wife Dora Butler, of the home; sons, Ken and Stephanie Butler and their son, Jared (8) of Richardson, TX, Tom and Thea Ellis of Tulsa, OK, and their sons, Derek (21) and Clark (18) both of Stillwater, OK, Kevin and Ann Butler and their children, Andrea Butler (9) and Bryce Butler (4) of Edmond, OK. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marquette School (Christ the King) Adopt-a-Student program or the Xavier Medical Clinic where Dora has worked and volunteered for several years. A wake will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 14th, with a memorial service 11 a.m., Thursday, January 15th, both at Christ the King Catholic Church. A reception to follow in Fletcher Hall. The entire extended Butler family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staffs of St. Francis Hospital Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit for their exemplary care for Mike during his brief stay with them. The Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 585-1151. John Michael "Mike" Butler