Thomas Theodore "Ted" Butler of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Saturday morning September 1, 2012, at his residence at the age of 83 years.

Thomas Theodore "Ted" Butler was born on February 24, 1929, in Springfield, Missouri, to Preston Otto and Marie Edith (Ross) Butler. He grew up in Springfield, Missouri, attending Springfield Public Schools. At the age of seven he moved with his family to Greenleaf, Oregon, where he attended Triangle Lake School. They later moved to Springfield, Oregon, where he attended Junior High School before moving to Eugene, Oregon, where he attended Uni-High School. After graduation he furthered his education at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Following his education he entered the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge he moved to Southern California. On September 3, 1955, he married Wilma Grace Swearingen and they made their home in Santa Monica, California, for a short time. They then moved to Monroe, Oregon, where he worked in the saw mill and plywood factory. In 1960 they moved to Pasadena, California, where he began working as a driver salesman and as a night janitor. He also served as minister of visitation for Bethany Church of Sierra Madre until 1990 when he retired. On August 1993 they moved to Blackwell and he began working for the Schwan's Company and worked until November 2001. He enjoyed swimming, gardening, ministering to the elderly and sick people, and loved spending time with family. Ted also lived his life for the Lord and introduced Him to everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Butler of Blackwell; two daughters, Willa Tilford and husband Larry of Lebanon, Oregon, and Janet Bittick and husband Jim of Edmond, Oklahoma; two sons, Scott Butler and wife Alma of Phoenix, Arizona, and Brian Butler of Norman, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Ryan Tilford, Sean Tilford, Lindsay Davis, Bob Bittick, and Joseph Bittick; one brother, Glenn Butler and wife Doris of Roseburg, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maeda Hall; a brother, Ross Butler; and one granddaughter, Amie Rose Butler.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 6th in the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Matt Smith officiating.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.