Emery Butler

Emery Raschel Butler passed into the arms of our Lord on Sunday, October 16, 2022. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 7, 1939 to Marcus Lafayette (ML) Butler (former San Antonio Fire Chief) and Lois Otilia Oakes.

Raschel was a 1958 graduate of Burbank High School where he played full back and kicker for the Bulldogs. Following graduation, he married Helen Smith with whom he had two children, Jeff and Judy.

In 1963, he began working for City Public Service and retired following 35 years of service as Supervisor of Cathodic Protection.

Raschel was an avid golfer throughout the years. Following retirement, he enjoyed early morning rounds of golf with his closest friends. Unfortunately, he had to relinquish his love for the game due to bad knees. However, he found a new love for scratch off tickets and travels to Las Vegas, Loughlin, L'Auberge, and Coushatta. On one occasion, he hit a $10,000 scratch-off ticket with close friend, Cecil Wilkinson.

Raschel was a humble and kind man. He was also a man of honor, integrity, character, and strength. He was full of love and would give the shirt off his back to any loved ones in need. Raschel whole-heartedly believed in traditional values, yet came to understand and accept changing times as his only grandson, Justin Butler, grew and matured throughout society's changing times. Raschel was always highly supportive and always there no matter the situation before him.

Throughout the years, Raschel remained friends with his ex-wife, Helen. During the last 5 years, he always invited her over for Sunday afternoon barbecues and included her in holidays and special occasions. He even drove her to doctor appointments as it became increasingly difficult for her to drive due to visual challenges. Although no longer married, there was an undeniable bond full of love and friendship.

Raschel was a very loved, adored, and treasured father and grandfather. He is deeply missed and his passing has a left a huge hole in our hearts. He is survived by his son, Jeff; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Pat McBride; grandson and wife, Justin and Crystal; 3 great grandchildren, Kaydie, Kylie, and Kaleb; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Joanne; and close friends, Gene Ott, Bill McDougal, Elbert Davis, Lefty Kalisky, Bobby Blair, Fred Sartor, and numerous others.

Services will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas.

"Dad, you held our hands when we were small, and always helped us when we would fall. From a young age, you instilled in us a sense of morals, values, integrity, humility, and grace, then set us free to experience a life you would want us to embrace. Through the years, we faced days of happiness and sadness as all people do, But you always remained strong to help see us through. Your love, courage, and strength has made us who we are today, And we thank our Lord for the role He gave you to play. Dad, you have been our life, heart, and soul. Although you are no longer physically here, your spiritual presence is forever embedded in our souls. Today is not goodbye .... only a temporary separation until we all are reunited again."

---Judy