Thomas Allen Butler

Our beloved husband, father, Papa, son, brother, uncle, coworker, and friend-` Tom fought courageously for three weeks following a shocking diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Despite the short time we had to come to terms with this devastating disease, Tom continued to take care of his family, love his people, and maintain his calm and steady nature through numerous medical complications and hospitalizations.

Born on March 3, 1954, in Clearfield, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Lightner) Butler.

Tom was a graduate of Clearfield Area High School, Class of 1972, and Williamsport Community College. He enjoyed a fulfilling career as an electrician and was the trusted “go-to” guy for all things electrical among family and friends.

Tom was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clearfield. His greatest happiness came from making memories and cherishing the things that truly matter in life. He especially loved trips to Maine, every adventure with his grandchildren, working in his garden, driving his 1931 Model A Ford, bicycling, hiking, spending time at camp, and fishing. Always a handy guy and never one to sit down for long, Tom was ready to lend a helping hand or tackle any project. If an adventure involved the outdoors, good food, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Tom was always in. It was never a surprise to find him jumping on the trampoline with his grandchildren, boogie boarding in the Atlantic Ocean, or pulling off his birthday headstand (the running tradition for the last 30 years!).

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie (Perry) Butler, whom he married on October 9, 1982. Tom and Debbie shared a deep and unwavering love, and she was his partner and best friend throughout their 44 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, adventures, and countless treasured memories. Their bond was a true testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and friendship. Tom’s love for their daughter, Sarah Butler Proudfit, of Greensburg, was equally profound. He also cherished his two grandchildren, Quinlan Marielle Proudfit and Miles Thomas Proudfit, who were the greatest joy of their Papa’s life.

He is also survived by his brother, Richard G. Butler, and wife, Betsy, of Clearfield; his sister, Joy B. Lhota, and husband, Rick, of Clearfield; his sister-in-laws Gloria Greenwood of Columbus, OH, Mary Beth Henshaw of Greensboro, NC, Jeannie Armes of Greensburg, PA, Deb Perry of Emlenton, PA, Kathy Butler of Clearfield, and a brother-in-law Gary Perry, and wife, Teresa, of Brookfield, OH, and numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Family and friends who became family were always most important to Tom, and his passing leaves behind countless cherished memories.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his two brothers, Donald Butler and William Butler Jr., and four brother-in-laws, Richard Greenwood, Charles Henshaw, Norbert Armes, and Robert Perry, who were also great friends.

Staying true to Tom’s calm character and unassuming nature and in accordance with his wishes, no public services will be held at this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor and remember such a special man.

Tom’s legacy will live on through the countless memories he created, the adventures he shared, the kindness he offered, and the love he gave so freely to those blessed to know him. Our family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Arnold Palmer Cancer Center, Penn Highlands Clearfield, and especially the Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department and the MediVac Flight Crew for giving our family an opportunity to say goodbye for now.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, PO Box 1454, 217 East Pine St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

Bennett and Houser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a note for the family, visit www.bennettandhouser.com