Michael Ward
Butler, PhD
June 11, 1939 - January 24, 2019
Dr. Michael Ward Butler, age 79, of Florence, passed away January 24, 2019
Mike was born in Hoisington, Kansas and graduated from Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in business and a Master’s Degree in economics. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a PhD in economics in 1972, he moved to Florence and taught economics at the University of North Alabama where he became the first chair of the newly formed Department of Economics and Finance. Later, he was appointed Dean of the College of Business, retiring in 2001. Upon retirement from UNA, he moved to Angelo State University where he served as Dean of the College of Business and Professor of Economics until 2014. Even after teaching for 48 years, he was not ready to retire in 2014 and continued his consulting practice in forensic economics up to the day of his death.
Mike is survived by his wife, Regina; son, Alex (Lee Ann); stepdaughters, Erin Thomas (Cahalen) and Annie Thomas; stepson, Zach Thomas (Ashley); beloved granddaughters Cate and Grace Butler; sister, Martha Ann Caldwell (Darrell); and many nieces and nephews.
At Mike’s request, there will be no service. Because of his love of dogs, memorials are requested to be made to the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter.
No services listed.
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4 Comments on “Michael Ward Butler, PhD”
With great sorrow we learned the news of the passing of our great friend Mike Butler, as fine a man as ever walked this Earth. Through all the great times we shared, his joy for life, wit, easy laugh and wonderful mind made every occasion together special, memorable. Mike was a generous, brilliant and loving man, and we will miss him as long as we live.
To his incomparable wife and family, we share in your time of loss with deepest sympathy.
Larry & Cheryl Ricci
San Angelo, Texas
My sincere condolences to Mike’s family. I always enjoyed our conversations!
I worked at UNA during Mike’s time there and always found him to be a nice person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mike was a very talented person who alway conducted himself as a gentleman and helped my clients and our firm out on many occasions as a forensic economist. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and my heart goes out to those he leaves behind. Hi love for animals speaks volumes about how much he cared and his character. Rest In Peace Mike.