Roll Call Tribute

Eugene L. "Gene" Butler 

July 25, 1941 - March 19, 2024 

Eugene “Gene” L. Butler, of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, the 19th of March 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years of age.

Gene was born on the 25th of July 1941, in Raymondville, Texas. He attended Raymondville High School, graduating in 1959. Gene graduated from the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, in 1963 with a BBA in Accounting.

Upon graduation from A&M, Gene was commissioned as an officer into the United States Navy from 1963 to 1969, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He served on the USS Orleck as well as the PBR river patrol boats as part of Operation Game Warden in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. He received numerous decorations for his service in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze star devices and the Navy Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, including a V device for valor. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman.

Professionally, Gene was a driven and natural leader who excelled in fostering teamwork, guiding, and empowering those around him to reach their fullest potential. Gene was a CPA at Arthur Andersen, CEO at Weatherford International, and CEO at Intercoastal Terminal. He also served as a director for various organizations, such as Powell Industries and Deep Down, Inc.

Gene also gave back to the institutions that served him so well. He sat on the board at the Texas A&M College of Business. He also served on the Republican Presidential Task Force under Ronald Reagan.

The three things that mattered the most in the world to Gene were family, Texas A&M, and service to others. He followed every pitch of the Houston Astros from the moment he moved to Houston and of course bled maroon every football season for his Aggies. Gene’s other favorite pastimes included hunting, golfing at Lakeside Country Club, and studying U.S. and world history, all while enjoying a good cigar. Gene cherished the camaraderie of the Crazy Frog’s lunch/cigar group.

His faith was his true north star, providing clarity and purpose throughout his life. His door was always open to family and friends for advice, motivation, and calming reassurances. He was deeply committed to his children and grandchildren, and he treasured every era of their growth and development. He enjoyed special bonds with his brothers in law Bobby Long and Ed Brooks and his wife Sue, niece Candis Brooks, and nephew Lance Long and his wife Vicky, as well as his cherished friends.

More than anything, Gene was the rock to the love of his life, Deby, and she was his anchor. Together they enjoyed countless memories and beautiful sunsets at the ranch they shared, which they called their “Happy Place.”

Gene is preceded in death by his siblings, Kenneth Butler and Joy Butler Long. He is survived by his wife, Deby; children, Eugene L. Butler, II and his wife Shannon, Nicohl Butler Salinas, Joy Butler Cashion and her husband Christopher, and Michael Brooks Butler and his wife Jen; and Gene’s seven grandchildren, Sarah, Victoria, Landry, and Nicohlas Salinas, Cole and Conner Cashion, Teddy Butler, and Nolan Butler will miss their Gator rides and donut runs with “Big Daddy”. Gene is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends. Gene’s legacy will certainly live on through his children, grandchildren, and all of the lives he’s touched.

A memorial service is to be conducted at half past two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 4th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Pastor, Teacher of Gulf Coast Bible Church, Rick King is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, a memorial scholarship fund has been set up in his name at Texas A&M University. Memorial contributions in Gene’s memory may be directed to The Association of Former Students with Texas A&M at 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840 or select the link: 

The Association of Former Students with Texas A&M