Thomas R. Butler

Thomas R. Butler noted general contractor and real estate developer in the Fresno area and past President of the Building Industry Association of San Joaquin Valley, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2025, in Fresno, CA. He was 90 years old.

He founded the family business Thomas R. Butler, Inc., in 1972 and led it with three generations of his family for over fifty years. Along the way, he served on numerous industry councils and committees and received the Pinnacle Society Award for his contributions to California State University, Fresno.

Born in Shidler, Oklahoma, to Mary Elizabeth and Thomas R. Butler in 1934, he moved to Fresno with his family in 1936. After graduating from Fresno High School, Mr. Butler served two years in the United States Army as a heavy weapons infantry specialist technician, earning the Good Conduct Award for his service. This same curiosity and passion for tinkering with machines also fueled his entry into a local car club called “Rum Runners.”

A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, he traveled extensively to engage in sailing, fishing, snowmobiling, and wine-tasting activities. Mr. Butler was a member of the Fresno Yacht Club and sailed competitively in both the High Sierra Regatta and the race from Newport Beach to Ensenada. He enjoyed fishing in Alaska and Canada and at their place in Mulege. His passion for sport included a lifelong support of Fresno State athletics and his beloved San Francisco Forty-Niners. Tom was a long-time attendee of New Covenant Community Church, Fresno.

Mr. Butler is survived by his wife, the former Carole Ormaca, whom he married in 1957; three sons, Scott (Karen), Greg (Lisa), and Stephen (Taunya); a sister, Ann Wood; a brother, George Helmuth; grandchildren Ashley (Matt King), Ryan (Ali), Jordan (Sara), Natalie (Todd Timmons), Hannah (Jake Davis), Michael (Breena), David; and great-grandchildren, Brayden, Brooks, Halston, Jakobi, Lainey, Hadessa, and Daniel.

A visitation for Mr. Butler will be held Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A celebration of life will occur Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM at New Covenant Community Church, 1744 E. Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests tax-deductible donations to the CHS Office of Philanthropy, 1530 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 106, Fresno, CA 93710, (559) 724-4343, designated to Neurology/Dementia Care.