Thomas Walker Butters

Thomas Walker Butters, loving husband and Dad (his favorite word), passed away with his loving children by his side, on February 5, 2024, from complications due to a car accident where he was not at fault. He was 81 years young. Tom was born October 3, 1942, in Grand Junction, Colorado, from the union of Dee Johnson Butters and Betty Lou Walker Butters. Tom graduated from GJ High School and was a member of the band. He won the John Philips Sousa award for trumpet. He joined the Army in 1961, and was stationed in Bad Aibling, Germany. He moved back to GJ to attend Mesa College, and met the love of his life, Susan Howard, on October 2, 1964. They married in January of 1965. Tom earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics while working for the D&RGW Railroad. Tom and Susan welcomed two little girls, with a son soon to follow, after moving to Palisade. He worked for the railroad for 35 years before retiring. He and Susan enjoyed traveling for many years until her passing in 2019. In the years since, Tom loved traveling to Texas, Southern Colorado, and Alaska to visit his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He recently took up the hobby of shooting Sporting Clays and had many hours of enjoyment. He was a good, kind, generous, and loving man. He touched those he knew deeply and many whom he never knew. He leaves behind two daughters, Tara (Larry) Zollinger, Kristy (Eddie) Christensen, and his son, Dee Butters. Other survivors include 5 grandkids and 12 great-grandkids. There are no services planned at his request.