Mike Edward Butler
March 17, 1953 – May 20, 2017
Mike passed away peacefully at his home while his brother Fred, and his sister Cheryl, were there by his side. Mike lived 64 full years. Mike, a non-smoker, had been diagnosed last June 4, 2016 with advanced stage lung cancer that metastasized to his brain.
Mike was born in Houston on March 17, 1953 to Robert (Happy) and Margaret Jean Butler. The Butler family moved to Austin when he was in sixth grade and the rest of his school years were in Austin and then on to Reagan High School until his graduation in 1971. Mike was Manager of the winning Reagan Raiders football team from 1968 until his graduation in 1971. From there, he attended Southwest Texas University majoring in Political Science and Accounting.
While in San Marcos, he worked to support himself at the local cable company and was also a supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department until moving back to Austin. Mike started officiating high school basketball with the Austin Basketball officials in 1988 until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure, he served as a Division Representative, Lead Trainer, President, and was also selected as an Official for two UIL Regional Tournaments. Mike elevated his officiating to become a college basketball official. He also became a mentor to young officials where he would attend and teach at every referee training camp. Mike would ensure that the game went smoothly, rules were followed, and coaches respected the game. He had a great relationship with many coaches and athletic directors and was a person that everyone could count on for solid and sound advice.
Mike also had a great relationship with The University of Texas Basketball programs. He was a scoreboard operator for 25+ years at U.T. for both the Men’s and Women’s teams. Mike served 8 years as a NCAA basketball official and during that time, he also worked NCAA post-season games hosted by UT as well as working a Big 12 Basketball tournament. Mike worked directly with the University of Texas to organize officials for their team basketball camps and during that time, he built such strong relationships with the University of Texas basketball coaches that they often invited him to officiate their closed scrimmages.
Mike also enjoyed working with the Austin Spurs Basketball (San Antonio Spurs Development League affiliate.) He was their scoreboard operator for all home games at the HEB Center at Cedar Park until 2016. Additionally, Mike worked in finance as a Broker for several different companies helping new businesses in the Austin area.
Some of his favorite things were The University of Texas sports, crunchy ice, unsweetened tea, Neiman Marcus bars, golf and Bone Daddy’s on his birthday! Mike kept a positive attitude throughout the entirety of his treatment. He never complained or showed any anger for his misfortune.
Fred and Cheryl were blessed to have the privilege to care for Mike at home since his diagnosis. A special bond was created between all the siblings of respect and love that has helped them through the time then, with Mike, and through this difficult time now, with his passing.
The family would like to thank you for all the prayers and for the wonderful visits he had with so many people. It was great to hear him laugh at stories and listen to memories that you had all created.
Mike is survived by his siblings Fred Butler and Cheryl Smith; nephews Hunter Smith, (fiancée Sara Linedecker) Hayden Butler; and many cousins and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert & Margaret Jean Butler and his grandparents (Fred & Margaret Thompson and Ollie & Robert Butler.)
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shivers Cancer Center -
https://www.supportseton.org/give/seton-fund
Hospice Austin -
https://www.hospiceaustin.org/donation-formOr a scholarship in Mike’s name to the
Bandy Perryman Shooting Camp -
http://www.bperrymanshootingcamp.comThe scholarship fund will allow kids to go to Basketball camp that would not be able to afford it.
A Celebration of Life will be held
Saturday - June 10th, 1 – 3 pm @ the
North Dining Room of Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin,TX.The family requests in Mike’s honor please wear his favorite color (burnt orange)!