Read Todd Curtis Butler's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Todd Curtis Butler

Fort Worth, TX, USA

June 23, 1965 - July 9, 2020

Jun 23, 1965 - Jul 9, 2020

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Assist with Todd's Funeral Expenses.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Todd Curtis Butler was born June 23, 1965 in Tampa, Florida and passed away July 9, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas following a long illness.

The youngest son of Dennis and Alberta “Dot” Crofton Butler, Todd was an active, curious little boy who always wanted to know what made things work. His combined curiosity and great musical gifts later developed into enormously fulfilling work as a musician, sound technician and music minister.

Growing up in Tampa, Todd played on the Sulphur Springs Little League All-Stars Team, enjoyed school and excelled in the arts. When he was six, Todd developed Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. This became the fight that he would battle for his entire life, always striving to rise above any physical challenge he faced to pursue his curiosity about the world around him.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science (Fine Arts) at Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City TN, Todd completed his Master of Education at Carson-Newman University and later began post-graduate study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth TX.

A talented musician and vocalist, Todd’s beautiful voice was a natural gift. A smooth, clear, precise and velvety tenor, he sang with full emotional depth. He was able to elevate the singing of simple art songs in a way that placed him in competitions above peers who had mastered enormous operatic arias. Audiences were so moved at the end of his performances that they sat in stunned silence. Todd was as comfortable singing Southern Gospel quartet music as he was embodying the spiritual awareness and comfort in the richness of a piece such as “Sweet Beulah Land.” As a performing vocalist, Todd was a finalist for three concurrent years in college for National Association Teachers of Singing (NATS) Tennessee/Kentucky Regional Competitions.

The unique combination of Todd’s natural curiosity, his troubleshooting skills, and his giftedness as a musician equipped Todd to become a highly sought after sound technician and trainer for other young technicians. He loved mentoring others in sound and lighting design and found great personal fulfillment in completing a difficult performance or worship service flawlessly. Todd spent two years traveling as a sound technician with Continental Singers and Brass on tours to Europe and Israel.

Todd was a compassionate and empathetic listener. He had a way of listening deeply and employed practical realism bathed in patient empathy when talking with those in need. This ability only strengthened during his years of ministry in Maryland. Sensing that he had found his purpose and calling, Todd and his family moved to Texas to pursue a degree in family counseling. But it was during those years that his health was greatly impacted by diabetes, and he was unable to complete his studies.

During the last ten years of his life, diabetes caused great loss for Todd in all areas of his personal life. Through this struggle, his greatest hope always was to see his son and daughter, Andrew and Abigail in a place where they could each pursue their dreams and aspirations, and find joy and purpose in their lives. Todd deeply loved and had great pride in his children, from Andrew’s beautiful musicianship to Abigail’s unique ability to love and help others.

His last words to his brother, Dean centered around his homegoing, and how eager he was to rest from his battle with diabetes. Todd longed to stand in the presence of Jesus, surrounded by his beloved mother and dear grandparents. He was ready to go Home, and his family finds great comfort in knowing that he has found rest and has been restored in body, mind and spirit.

Todd Curtis Butler is preceded in death by his mother, Alberta “Dot” Crofton Butler. He is survived by his father, Dennis Butler of Tampa; his son, Andrew Butler, age 17, and daughter, Abigail Butler, age 14, and their mother, Wendi Bernau all of Southlake, TX; his brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Wendi Butler of Camarillo, CA; his uncle and aunt, Curtis and Ann Crofton of Tyler, TX; his nephew, Benjamin Butler, age 13 of Camarillo, CA; and cousins throughout Florida, Georgia and Texas.

An outdoor graveside service and memorial for family and friends will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Drive, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made through Todd’s Memorial on Everloved.com to help offset funeral costs.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to Assist with Todd's Funeral Expenses.

$2,320.00

of $10,000 goal

23 %

Learn more & give