Thomas Rudolph Butzberger

Tom embraced the challenges and found rewards in at least 5 eventful lives: Child of the Depression, Decorated Combat veteran in WW II, Self-employed: no “benefits,” 5 kids (Btw, survivor of 4 heart attacks in his 40s. Coincidence?), Caregiver to my mom for 12 years, Master of fiercely independent living in his 80’s and 90’s.This doesn’t come close to telling it all.

John Wayne was an actor. My father was a rugged individualist ... a trait and belief which used to characterize this country and society he fought for.

Tom was a sharp and hungry mind. Read multiple books each week well into his 90s, an insightful analyst of world affairs, and a real 'conversationalist,' at a minimum!

Before he was the loving, uber-responsible, and provident husband and father, Tom was a doting son, grandson, and brother as well as fully engaged student from his earliest days.

With his family, he learned how to cope with the ravages of the Depression, working with his Dad in the family business and at several jobs through middle school and high school to help support his immediate family and the extended family members they took in from time to time.

Forewent a college scholarship to work to help support the family.Enlisted in the Army well before Pearl Harbor because he knew Hitler’s attacks in Europe would involve us... and he wanted his choice of duty!

(and as he said later, he could get paid without working!) Served as Republican precinct chair in Dallas when not many here knew there was such a party.Taught CCD Catholic education to public high school kids in the ‘60s, using a distinctly Paulist/Jesuit mindset of open conversation and confidence to encourage challenges.Studied, served, and enjoyed lots of wine over the years until my Mom’s early dementia led him to give it up in solidarity with her.

Did not have much exposure to golf until the War, when he played the Old Course at St Andrews on flak leave! Played frequently since, through to 3 weeks before his death. Scored 3 Holes-in-One, and won lots of chits in Seniors leagues. (Very proud when accused of sandbagging as it showed he won!). Shot his age at both 89 and 90.

He credits golf and the hospitality of several Dallas area pros with his longevity.Was the originator of one of my favorite lines. When asked by one of my sisters when he was 56 what it felt like to be old, he immediately said, "I feel like a 19-year-old ... who’s sick!” believe that was true right up until he died.

... And every winter turns to spring, bringing new life, new possibilities, and new bonds.

Thank you, Tom.

Please give our love to Rosemary until we can be together again.Tom is survived by 4 remaining children, 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

We will have a funeral Mass at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas at 10am on Saturday, January 20.

Tom requested ‘an Irish wake,’ so join us on Friday, January 19, 2018, 5:30-7:30pm

StrangeWays, 2429 N. Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Tom wants a happy celebration.

Let’s give the man what he wants!

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Paulist Fathers

to Honor and Thank Fr Bill Daugherty.

https://www.paulist.org/give/

Or by mail to:

The Paulist Fathers

Office of Mission Advancement

Re: Fr Bill Daugherty

415 West 59th St.

New York, NY 10019