Theophilus Nathaniel Butler was loved by all who knew him. Theophilus means "God's Gift" and he really was!
Click the audio button to hear Theo and Nancy Watters singing a prayer together. (Recorded in his Ludington apartment, 200 N. Sherman Street, #207, on June 7, 2003.)
Obituary
Theophilus Nathaniel Butler died at home in Ludington, Michigan on October 15, 2006 at the age of 64. The cause of death was cancer. Affectionately known as Theo, he was born the second oldest of fourteen children in Tampa, Florida on November 27, 1941 to Joseph and Mary Butler. He was a very protective and nurturing brother who showed his siblings the true spirit of giving through his selfless ways. Theo simply adored his mother.
He graduated from Highland Park High School of Highland Park, Michigan in 1959. After obtaining his high school diploma, Theo joined the armed forces. He served his country for two years as a United States Marine and was honourably discharged in 1962.
A year later he married Lorna Lee Mason-Bey of Detroit, Michigan. This union produced two beautiful children, Ferro Kwame, and Faydra Marissa. Theo was a proud, devoted father who loved his children dearly. Theo worked hard to provide the best for his family.
He worked security for fifteen years at Coco Hall in Detroit. Then in 1978 he moved to Ludington, Michigan and fell in love with its beautiful forests, white sandy beaches and kind-hearted residents. Theo decided that Ludington would be his home for the rest of his life. That is when he began working at Dow Chemical where he developed further friendships that would last a lifetime.
Theo's devotion to his family and friends was only made stronger by his love of God. He was a devout member of the Baha'i community (officially enrolled in 1992). His Baha'i brothers and sisters have been a significant part of his life as he endeavoured to develop his spiritual character.
Theo's hobbies included going jogging and riding his bike. Yet, anyone who knew him knows that his absolute favourite pastime was to watch football.
He leaves behind his two children Ferro and Faydra, his grandchildren Jelani and Marissa, his mother Mary, eleven brothers and sisters, Delores, Kenneth, Lilly, Mirabeau, Ronald, Richard, Gerald, Muslim, Alan, Randy and Joanne, numerous nieces and nephews and an immeasurable host of friends. He will be missed by all.
Memorial Service
Oak Grove Funeral Home, Saturday, October 21 ,2006, 1:00 pm
Prayer--Bob Simms
Musical Selection, The Lord's Prayer --Faydra Butler
Prayer--Gary Cools
Musical Selection, On Holy Ground--Thornetta Davis
Obituary--Randall Butler
Eulogy--Gary Cools
Musical Selection--Bob Simms
Toast--Family and friends
Gallery
Memory wall
