Kerry Don Butler

Kerry Don Butler, loving husband, father, son, brother and friend passed from this life into the arms of his savior on September 26, 2011, at the age of 50. He was born May 5, 1961 in Amarillo, Texas to Garland and Shirley Butler, the second of five sons. His father, Garland Don Butler, preceded him in death.

Kerry very proudly served the City of Austin for 23 years as an Austin Police Officer. For most of his time as a patrol officer, he worked in “Charlie” sector and was an exemplary officer. He was voted Officer of the Year in 1990. He was fondly known to his fellow officers as “Bear”. For many years, he worked as a “FTO” helping to train new officers on the street. He truly loved his job; everyday was an adventure for him. He retired at the rank of Corporal in July 2009 due to complications from a brain tumor. He was a member of the Fairview Church of Christ in Austin. He grew up in Richardson, Texas and graduated from J.J. Pearce High School. He attended Brookhaven College in Dallas where he met Kerri, the love of his life.

Kerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kerri Dee, his daughters, Lindsey and Cydney of Austin, his mother Shirley Butler of Mesquite, brothers, Kevin and wife Paula of McKinney, Kelly and wife Gail of Linden, Kory and wife Mirna of Mesquite and Kacy and wife April of Lindale. In addition he is also survived by his in-laws Billy and Fran Naumann of Austin, brothers in law and sisters in law, Ricky and Anna Naumann of Marble Falls, Amy and Lance Clinton of Leander, his best friend from childhood, David Lorber and wife Linda of Plano, many much loved nieces and nephews and his dear friends, Roger, Debbie and Logan Davidson, Kathy and Randy Sharp and Patty Melchior.

We would like to thank Chief Art Acevedo and the members of the Austin Police Department (active and retired) for their kindness and support during this difficult time. In addition, we wish to honor the 73rd graduating cadet class (November 1986) of which he was a proud member.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Mark Gilbert and Dr. Jade Schiffman of the MD Anderson Brain and Spine Center, and Dr. Adam Barta of Austin, for their exceptional care and treatment.

Throughout his life, Kerry displayed strength and courage in everything he did. He always put his family first. He started every day with a smile and always made us laugh. He will be forever in our hearts.

There will be a visitation for Kerry on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750, (512) 335-1155. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 10:00 am at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral home, and internment will follow at Haynie Flat Cemetery in Spicewood Texas.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Kerry’s name to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Brain Tumor Research/Dr. Mark Gilbert PO Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486.