Pastor Tom Butler, 77, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, in Park City, Kansas. Born on Oct. 14, 1948, in Laramie, Wyoming, Pastor Tom lived a life devoted to love, stewardship, faith, service, and compassion.
Tom graduated from Sparks High School in 1967 and pursued higher education with a passion for philosophy and ministry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nevada in 1971 and went on to achieve a Doctorate of Ministry in 1976. His academic journey laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to spiritual leadership and humanitarian efforts.
In 1974, Tom was ordained as a deacon in the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church in Stockton, California. Four years later, in 1978, he was ordained as an elder within the same conference. Throughout his career, Pastor Tom's ministry was marked by his unwavering commitment to serving others and spreading hope.
He served as head pastor of nine United Methodist churches, including congregations in Greenville, Taylorsville, Chester, Orland, Asbury (Sacramento), North Sacramento, and Tracy, California, as well as Sparks, Nevada.
Pastor Tom's ministry also took him beyond U.S. borders to Bolivia, where he served with the Methodist Church. His global perspective enriched his work and inspired those around him.
He played a pivotal role in establishing the Walk to Emmaus program in Northern California and Nevada, a testament to his innovative spirit and desire to deepen others' faith journeys.
His ministry extended well beyond the pulpit. He tirelessly championed hunger-relief efforts and helped establish food closets to combat local food insecurity. Tom was also an advocate for low-income housing, women's rights, and marriage equality. His dedication to these causes left an indelible mark on countless lives.
He authored the book "Let Her Keep It," sharing his insights, extensive research, and well-reasoned perspectives on the ordination of women, a cause he passionately supported throughout his ministry.
Tom was also very proud of his service with local law enforcement during the later years of his career. He served as Senior Police Chaplain for the Sparks Police Department from 2005 to 2011.
Tom's personal life was equally rich with love and devotion. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Butler; their three children: Jason (Sabrina) Butler of Park City, Kansas; Benjamin (Allicia) Butler of Riverbank, California; and Sharolyn (Josh) Mulvaney of Huntsville, Alabama; as well as eleven cherished grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Butler of Fallon, Nevada, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom he held dear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Betty Butler of Sparks, Nevada.
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