Michael Edward Butler lost his fight against cancer December 9, 2014. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12th at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th at Resthaven Memorial Park. A reception honoring the life of Mike will be held immediately following the service.Mike was born on July 27, 1946 to the late Harold Butler and Clara Catherine Grow in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Big Spring High School in Big Spring, Texas in 1964 and then attended Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 1968. After graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.He was a Vietnam Veteran, and he served in the 2/34 Armor, 25th Infantry Division. Mike was a recipient of the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.After being honorably discharged from active duty in 1973, Mike remained in the United States Army Reserves, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He moved to Midland and married Velma Ann Marlin on July 28, 1972. Velma preceded him in death on January 16, 1992. They had two children together, Sean Michael and Casey Edward. Mike worked for the City of Midland in the Public Works Department as Assistant Director of Engineering and Transportation for 35 years. During his years in Midland, he served on the Midland Board of the United Way, and he was a board member for the Midland Teacher’s Credit Union, a member of the Red Cross, and an active member of the Midland A&M Club, serving several terms as President. He also served on the Midland Central Appraisal District Tax Review Board and was an election official for Midland County.Mike was an unbelievably funny man who had a passion for his country, the Aggies, Corvettes and most importantly, his family. Mike is survived by his fiancé and life-long companion of twenty-years, Carolyn Sebastian; mother, Clara Butler of Temple, TX; two sons, Sean and wife Kelly of Houston, TX, and Casey Butler of Midland, TX; two daughters, Kim Dalby and husband Michael of Lubbock, TX, and Meredith Edwards and husband Jarrod of Lubbock, TX; seven grandchildren, Tyler Butler, Jack Butler, Hattie Butler, Jane Butler, Ava Dalby, Andrew Dalby and London Edwards; brother Chris and wife Mona of Temple, TX; nephew Christopher Butler of Temple, TX, and niece Catherine Halfmann and husband Kyle of Rosebud, TX; and grandnephew Luke Halfmann and grandniece Emma Clara Halfmann. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Butler.Honorary pallbearers include Jack Burns of Goldthwaite, TX, Dennis Clark of Argyle, TX, Jim Edwards of Midland, TX, and Bill Simmons of Midland, TX.The family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Best and the staff of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, Sonya Martin, Patient Advocate Midland Memorial Hospital and StarCare Odessa, Texas for their steadfast support and compassionate care during Mike’s battle with cancer.In his memory, memorials may be given to the United Way of Midland, 1209 W. Wall Street, Midland, TX 79701; or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
