I am devastated...Mike was my first (read ‘only’) guitar teacher, ‘71 – ‘73’, Evans Music City. Not long ago, I came across all his lesson notes, getting a bit crispy and yellow, most on the back of E.M.C. accounting pad paper. I put each page in a clear plastic sleeve, then put all in chronological order in a ring binder. I’m getting back into playing and I will go back through everything (chords, scales, Credence Clearwater Revival songs, etc.), taking up where we left off with notes on the neck and beginning fingerstyle: “Freight Train.” If only I could have gotten him to sign such a sacred collection. If only I could have dropped in for a lesson from time-to-time. If only I could have put Mike and my guitar-playing son together. Legacy. Blessing. Mentorship. Tradition. The best...

I always trusted Mike in that little lesson room in the back, always felt safe. There he was: thin as a rockstar; the long hair and goatee (?), the bell-bottoms, the zip-up boots, the long picking-finger nails (like all serious players), the thumb of which he would slap the low E on the clear lucite Strat to start tuning my guitar...I started with what amounted to a souvenir Mexican mariachi guitar, built for nylon strings, but strung with steel strings. The thing was on the verge of imploding every time Mike touched a tuner. Never a hard sell guy, Mike only gently suggested I get a new guitar. My grandparents did eventually get me a nice little Yamaha - with guidance from my techer, of course. After 50 years, my little FG–110 is still my go-to beater. 

I am saving up for a Van Halen Frankenstein (“Eddie”), a Willie Nelson Trigger (“Willie”), and a Ted Nugent ? (“Teddy”). I am telling the truth: JUST HOURS BEFORE I SAW THIS OBIT, I determined to name my guitar “Mikey.” No lie. 

And so it is. My guitarcade will be Eddie, Willy, Teddy, and Mikey. 

If anyone wants to put together lesson notes, photos, rembrances, song lyrics, et., I would be so honored to work on such a task.

Still unable to really believe or accept that our brother Mikey is not here. Feel such a profound loss that its impossible to put into words. And there were so many things about Mikey that he kept private and I so regret not being able to share with him. But he was such a sweet funny genuine person and so musically talented way beyond what many of us even knew. So very very glad we have some of his  songs he recorded. The music and words are incredible but to hear his voice is a treasure we will all have forever.
We miss you Mikey but feel you are still all around us and will be always. Save a spot for me up there little brother. Love Kathy

Oh Dear Butler family,
My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.  As we lose our family members, the only comfort is that there is no longer suffering and that they are in a much better place. We all have such fond memories and admiration of Mike.  Dale and I "grew up" at Evans Music and started our own family with Mike and Diane's friendship.  The times that I shared then will always be the best!  Mike will always be one of my favorite treasures. 
Cindy Walker Robertson

Mike was such a fine person and loved by all who knew him. Our sincerest condolences to all the family. May the love you all share bring comfort to you now and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and Michael will forever be in our memories and hearts.

Charie and Andy Turner (Houston, Texas)

Mike was a true person of excellence, not enough of those in this world. I will never forget the many years having him as a friend and business associate. Great guitar player, funny and was always a positive influence in the music business and elsewhere.

Michael, I feel so grateful I had the opportunity to tell you what you have meant to me through my life. You were a wonderful man and loved by all.  You will be greatly missed.

I always have had the upmost respect for Mike as a colleague in the music business and as a great friend. Mike was always the perfect gentleman, a great musician, and a fun loving, personalble friend to be around. He will be surely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. God bless you Mike.

Michael, like many others it is hard to find the words to say.  This is so hard to comprehend why such a good person was taken from us. Even though we have been divorced for many years, we stayed good friends throughout.  I have wonderful memories of us. You were a kind, considerate man and a wonderful father and grandfather.  I will miss you more than I can say.   I will love you always, Mickey.

I am so sorry for your loss.  At Psalm 56:8 David pleaded to God: "Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book? Like David I know that God is aware of your pain and whatever you are going through emotionally.  Let him help you; He knows what you need. (Jeremiah 29:12) . . .And YOU will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to YOU. .

dear ones, as I write this I think of how I am truly "twice blessed". AS children we all grew up together-cutting through the alley to come to your house and play with "the babies-Kitty and Peggy. MIchael was so funny as a kid and we spent lots of happy childhood days together. When I married David I had to pinch myself-we married in the Albans house, a house so  filled with loving memories. Over the years I told Michael "can you imagine playing  in this house and then to marry in this house-GOD is good-surrounded by so much love. That's what Michael gave us  all our lives-humor, love and always cheering us on.I want Kelly and Jason to know the happiest I ever saw their dad was when he became "Pappy"----oh the stories he would tell at our "Sunday chats"---Today, heaven has a precious angel--no more suffering. I believe in angels````` and now Michael watches over each and everyone of us----my love, Susie butler xoxoxoxo

I cannot find the words. Michael was a friend, mentor, colleague for over 45 years, We laughed together, partied together, jammed together, and worked together. I admired him as a man, and respected him as a musician and business man. His compassion and humor will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I will never hear blackbird without thinking of Michael. Goodbye. Dale

So so sorry for your loss . The Tolar family is praying for your family.

I believe Mike was probably around eleven years old when I started hanging out at the Albans house with John.  We got to know each other well over the years.  The last time I visited with Mike in the hospital we talked a long time and he told me about how comforted he was because the Priest assigned to the hospital had been up to the room and spent some time with him.  The most important thing is his faith.  He has now claimed the teachings and the promises left to us by Jesus the Christ.  We are now left with knowing that his faith has carried him to God, we are also left with the wonderful memories we have of Michael and we can revisit them anytime we wish.  You will be missed my friend.

Mike, you have been a good friend for over 50 years...  St. Thomas, playing music together, and working at Evans Music City.  You will be missed...

My dearest friend and big brother, you were always there for me and I have too many memories to even touch upon. We had good times back in the late 60's and early 70's and even though I moved away our bond was never broken. I will miss our long Sunday night phone calls among so many things. You are the kindest and best of men and you are in my heart always! I love you! Becky

Mike you will be missed, but you will always be remembered as an outstanding man.  We went to St Thomas High School together, both with the same last name even though we were not related.
Cheers for a good life..
Dick Butler

I knew Mike and his family when we were growing up, as his brother David and I were in the same grade. And, later I knew Mike in his rock & roll days with the Druids where our bands sometimes played gigs together.  He was a great guy and a great guitar player.  He will truly be missed.  My sincere condolences to his entire family.

So many years since I saw Michael.  I remember he and his band playing at one of our St. Thomas HS dances in the mid 70's, and of course, his motorcycle accident.

God Bless him.

No longer will I ever hear "Michael Butler alert !!!"  called out when ether of us walked into a room when the other was there.  We had many wonder times at parties, with music and just having fun.  I always said that I was "the good looking, intelligent one";  he said similar things about himself and had other remarks for me.    With Michael's departure we lose a fine, kindhearted, considerate and faithful friend. I will miss Michael sorely.

Michael Mark Butler

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael always made me smile.

You go by many names, Michael, Mike, Mikey, Pappy, Brother, Friend.  They all speak clearly of how you have been loved by so many and in so many ways.  Growing up together you were always brother Michael to me, and you always will be, but along the way we also grew beyond being siblings and became friends, confidants, and so much more.  I will miss you and our visits terribly, but I am comforted in the full belief that we sill have another opportunity one day and we will pick up right where we left off.  I love you brother Michael.  Bless you < David

Mr. Butler, thanks for always making me laugh and instilling that humor in your daughter and granddaughter. I know you are terribly missed. My thoughts are with all of your family and friends.

Mike, we will miss your wit, charm and wonderful smile. We had some good times together and will miss you! And we know you are playing your guitar in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

My brother Michael. Wonderful brother, son, father, friend and most importantly... Pappy. A man of many many talents and a heart of gold.  I will miss you always and love you forever, with all my heart.  Kitty

I first met Mike when he was in sales for Evans Music City. We had many business dealings and I knew I could always trust him to help me find the best product for my needs. Later on we became colleagues at Evans, when I did some outside sales/installations and built/ran a small audio/MIDI/video studio in the back of Evans. We got to know each other then, and he was a funny, intelligent, and great guy to be around. I was sad to see him leave Evans, but Aldridge Marketing, got one heck of a salesman.  I wish I could have told him how much he was respected and what a consummate professional he was. Craig Jackson

My prayers are with all of the family.
Mike was such a talent.He always made his
guitar sing.Many fond memories of the
Grammyphones.Charlsie martin Pogue

you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,he was one of my best friend. my heart goes out to you during this difficult times. he will be missed
                                 roberto (boo boo ) martinez

OBITUARY

Michael Callaway Butler

February 26, 1948 – February 4, 2014

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery

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