Charles Butler

Charles Edward Butler, age 94, of College Station, Texas, passed away peacefully at home into the arms of Jesus on October 7, 2025 with his loving daughter at his side.

Born on September 23, 1931 in Sugar Land, Texas, Charles lived a long and full life devoted to his Savior, family, friends, and church. He married Elizabeth Crabtree in 1958, whom he met while in college at Abilene Christian College (as it was known at the time), and together they shared 48 happy and wonderful years of marriage.

Charles was predominantly raised by his grandparents in Houston, Texas, and had many wonderful memories and stories about his childhood and beloved Grandma, who imparted a strong faith in Christ in him at an early age. He was baptized at age 9, and never wavered in his faith after that age. Prior to attending Abilene Christian College, he attended the University of Houston at night while working full time for Houston Power and Light Company. It was during that time that he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served his country for 3 years before being honorably discharged. It was then that he moved to attend Abilene Christian College. Following completion of his Social Work (with a minor in Bible studies) degree, he was hired by the Texas Welfare Department and moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, during which time his only child, Lisa, was born. Thereafter, he was transferred to Eastland, Texas, where he remained for many years, until his retirement, helping and serving others through his work. He was also active in his church throughout his life. Upon retirement from the Texas Department of Human Services, he and Elizabeth moved to Abilene where they lived for many years. Around 2015, Charles moved to College Station, Texas, to live with his daughter. He lived there until his passing. He will be remembered for many things, including his love of Jesus, kind and gentle spirit, sense of humor and love of laughter, joyful spirit, generosity, steadfast nature, and devotion to family.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Howe, as well as sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and his beloved wife Elizabeth in 2007.

Visitation will be held at the Central Church of Christ in Bryan, Texas, on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Elwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas, on Monday, October 12, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, Texas, or to the North Belize Medical Missions, in Bryan, Texas.

Charles’ long life was a true blessing to all who knew him, and his legacy of love, integrity, kindness, and gentleness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His enthusiastic raising of his hands and arms and hollering “YAY” will be chuckled over for many years to come.