Jo Margaret Butler

Jo Margaret Busch Thomas Butler was born December 30, 1922 in Eugene, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri and then married Merle D. Thomas December 22, 1943 while Merle was a student at Northwestern Medical School. They settled in El Paso in 1951 with their young family where Jo continued her studies at the University of Texas at El Paso where she earned her Master’s Degrees in Counseling and Administration. Jo worked 24 years with the El Paso ISD as a teacher, diagnostician, and consultant in Special Education.

Jo married Col Frank L Butler in September 1981, where they enjoyed playing bridge, golf and extensive travel to Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Europe, and England.

Jo was very active in many organizations including Delta Gamma Sorority and the Panhellenic Council, El Paso Medical Auxiliary, Women’s Auxiliary of Thomason Hospital, El Paso County Mental Health Association, El Paso Chamber of Commerce, El Paso Garden Club, the Del Norte Club, EPISD Retired Teachers Association and Retired Military Officers Wives Club.

Jo is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Col (Ret) Frank L. Butler and her eldest daughter, Karen Jo Thomas Malen, grandson Sean Resen. She is survived by her 2 sons, Michael D. Thomas (CDR-USN) Ret (Julie) of Dallas and Mark D. Thomas, MD. of El Paso. She is also survived by Frank L Butler, Jr (Denise) and Bonnie Butler Linden (Dave).

Grandchildren include Matthew (Jennifer) and Adam (Alyx) and Hayley (Matthew). Also, Noelle Pickering (Michael), Tyne Brack (Taylor) and Hunter Varela. Great-grandchildren Connor, Eleanor and Amelia Thomas and Haddon Pickering.

Jo was a member and former elder at First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed playing bridge weekly at the El Paso Country Club with good friends. She has been a Tai Chi enthusiast for over 7 years.

Special thanks to Ramsey Hazboun, MD; Dr. David Dobrin & Dr. Alfonso Chavez and their staff, for the excellent care they provided Jo throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison Dr., El Paso, TX 79902.