Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Parker Funeral Home - Parker

1704 S. Ocotillo Ave

Parker, Arizona

Thomas Butler Obituary

Tom was born at home on West Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs to Michael J. Butler and Beulah (Lolcama) Butler. He passed away in Quartzsite, AZ, while at home being cared for by his wife of 51 years, Judith (Swanigan) Butler. Tom and Judy met in Washington D.C. where he was with the F.B.I. When the opportunity presented itself, due to job situations, they returned to Tom's home town of Cripple Creek. A number of months were spent in Cripple Creek, including being the "extra cop" during the summer. In September 1964, he joined the Colorado Springs Police Department where he served for 26 years, retiring as a (Sgt) homicide detective. Tom would be referred to by his fellow officers as "A hell of a good cop who served the community with pride."--the ultimate compliment for their profession. He was a long time member and past President of the Police Protective Association, and served on the Honor Guard. Following his retirement from the CSPD, and a short "vacation," Tom was back to work again, spending some years with the RAP delivery service. When he decided he could "really" retire, he and Judy pulled up their roots and became full time RVers, finally settling in Quartzsite, AZ where wonderful friendships developed. These were a wonderful support during the 1 1/2 years of Tom's illness. Both long time and lesser time friends were amazing. Tom and Judy raised and he is survived by 3 sons, Thomas Michael of FL, Scott of CA and Robert of Colorado Springs, as well as a grandson, Zachary of AZ. Also surviving are grandchildren Olivia and Sam of CA, brother Ron (CSPD retired) and sister Bonnie King of Colorado Springs, nephews, nieces and more friends than could possibly be mentioned. Everyone has been an important part of Tom's life. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother "Bill." Memorial services are being planned for the summer--to be determined at a later date. Online condolences to http://obits.gazette.com/obituaries/gazette/

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 27, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Butler

Not sure what to say?





Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you All!
Always enjoyed working with Tom at PPA Bingo. And love running into Ron.
Cindy (Delaney) Terry & Glenn Delaney

February 11, 2013

Your light will shine forever through the love of your family and friends.

Bonnie King & Ron Butler

February 5, 2013

Tom was a excellent police officer and role model. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family. Ron and Bonnie we extend our sympathy and we will keep you in our prayers

Ken and Carol Bayens

February 1, 2013

Tom was a great police officer, friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.

Larry Kraus

January 30, 2013

I have wonderful memories of working for Tom in SACS during the late 70's. His great personality, quick wit, and admirable leadership skills made it a pleasure to go to work each day. He will be missed by many. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

Ken Fiorillo

January 30, 2013

To Tom M and your family, you have my deepest sympathy. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Larry Marshall

January 30, 2013

Our sympathy to Judy and family. It was a pleasure to have been associated with Tom and family. We spent many a time talking about old times in Colorado Springs at our Holiday Rambler camping get-to-gethers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Joyce & Bernie Clements

January 29, 2013

I knew Tom during my entire career as a CSPD officer & he was my patrol sergeant for two years. He was the greatest sergeant I ever had & even a better friend & human being! His wife, & brother Ron & family are in my prayers!

Terry Grace

January 29, 2013

Simple words cannot begin to describe what a great cop & man Tom Butler was & is! I pray that his memory & God's comforting grace will provide peace to his wife & family during this very difficult time!

Guy Grace

January 29, 2013

I first met Tom when I joined the police department in 1970. I have many fond memories of him both as a patrolman and a Sgt.
He was easy to talk to and was always there for us. He taught us how to really be a police officer and what it meant. They don't make them like Tom any more. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Ron Webb

January 29, 2013

I met Tom in 1972 and worked for him for several years during my 20 years on the department. He was a great Sgt. and a better man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and with his brother Ron. God Bless you Tom. You will be missed. Greg Skiba

January 28, 2013

Tom, you were truly a special person. A special friend, Sgt. and mentor rolled into one. It was our privilege and honor to have known you and to have you in our lives. God Bless you and your family

Larry & Cheryl Henry

January 27, 2013

Tom, was a good friend. I met Tom when I joined the EPSO, and he mentored me for several years. he even sold me his matched pair of S&W model 32 revolvers, so I would have a "good gun for my duties as a deputy. Even had some great after shift parties wuth Tom and others @ the Golden Bee. Go with God's speed brother, you were a GREAT OFFICER.

Chaplain Michael Collins

January 27, 2013

What a wonderful Great man he was!! He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace !!
Butch Quigley

January 27, 2013

Tom was a true friend and a model police officer. RIP
My thoughts and prayers are with the Butler family.

Sue McElhaney-Lew

January 27, 2013

RIP Tom. I always enjoyed working with you.

Dave Smith

January 27, 2013

One of the best Sergeants for all time. Sarge was our first Sgt for us new rookies he taught us many things but most of all he taught us service and respect. God Bless and RIP

Bobby Swain

January 27, 2013

Dear Judy. Just read about Tom's death. Please know I am thinking of you.
Nancy Page Craft

January 21, 2013

Tom has laid his burden down Judy. He will be remembered with all of our love and fond memories.

Delores Hall

January 17, 2013

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Butler's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Butler

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Parker Funeral Home - Parker

1704 S. Ocotillo Ave, Parker, AZ 85344

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Butler's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more