Thomas Irvin Butler

Thomas Irvin Butler, known affectionately as Tom or Tommy, passed away on September 12, 2024, at the age of 75 in Albuquerque, New Mexico after battling metastatic kidney cancer for many years. He was born November 19, 1948 in Portales, New Mexico, the oldest of the seven children by Mary Juanita Adair Butler and Irvin “I.R.” Butler. Tom came from humble beginnings and grew into a remarkable individual admired for his intellect and athleticism.

Tom pursued higher education earning a degree at New Mexico State University, which set the stage for a distinguished career as a Chemical Engineer at Dow Chemical in Lake Jackson, Texas. Throughout his 46-year career, he thrived in an environment that encouraged his analytic scientific curiosity and forged many lifelong friendships with coworkers. Tom was recognized for his groundbreaking work in plastics and film fabrication technology, obtaining two US patents, authoring several influential papers and book chapters, and serving as editor of the TAPPI Film Extrusion Manual, a highly regarded reference book in the industry. Coworkers appreciated Tom’s expertise and willingness to collaborate and mentor those with less experience.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was a man of many interests. He was passionate about sports, especially basketball and tennis. A quick and clever basketball player, Tom played a key role on his Portales High School basketball team, leading them to the New Mexico state championship, and was recognized with the highest athletic honor his senior year, “The Greatest Ram” award. When his playing days were over, he passionately coached both his children on the basketball and tennis courts as well as the baseball and softball fields.

Tom treasured his role as a father and was immensely proud of his two children, Michelle and David. He eagerly attended all their school and sporting events, helped with science projects and offered a comforting hug when needed. He loved taking bike rides together and family Friday night dinners where he invariably ended up with part of the meal on his shirt. The Christmas season was one of his favorite times of the year, his joy contagious as he filled the house with seasonal music and arranged homemade wooden yard art on the lawn each year. His role expanded to Papa, with the addition of two grandsons, Nathan and Collin Jones whom he absolutely delighted in.

In his spare time Tom put his engineering skills to use with many home and woodworking projects. He had an insatiable curiosity for life driving his love for reading, studying the ancient past and archeology. Tom loved family gatherings and was always ready to whip up some of his famous queso for the crowd.

He leaves behind his wife, Kathleen Butler; daughter, Michelle Butler (Craig Jones); son, David Butler (Amanda); and the mother of his children, Gale Butler. His legacy also lives on through his grandchildren, Nathan and Collin Jones; brothers, Bob (Kim) Butler, Frank Butler, and Ted Butler; and sisters, Barbara (Karen) Butler, Betty (Bruce) Lacefield, and Diane Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin "I.R." Butler and Mary Juanita Adair Butler.

In keeping with his wishes, no memorial services are planned. Tom's remarkable spirit and achievements will continue to inspire those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.