Paul Butler, 87, passed away on September 22, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, September 26, 2025 in the First Baptist Church, Brownwood, Texas.

Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia; one daughter and two sons, six granddaughters and one grandson. He is also survived by his brother Joe.

Dr. Paul Butler was born in Sherman, Texas in 1938. His family soon moved to Floresville, Texas where he spent what he termed, “growing up years.” After graduating from Alamo Heights in San Antonio, he traveled to Brownwood to investigate Howard Payne University. After a short visit with Dr. Guy Newman, he was ready to enroll. It was in Dr. Cleo McCristy’s Freshman English class that he met Virginia who would become his wife.

Paul began his career in education in Plainview, Texas teaching Texas History to eager 7th and 8th grade students. He was a master storyteller who brought to life the stories of days gone by.

After serving in the Army, Paul returned to Plainview High School as an assistant principal. After completing his formal education at Texas Tech University, he spent the next seventeen years in administrative positions at Wayland Baptist University.

In 1987 Don Newbury and God called Paul to Howard Payne where he served in various administrative roles.

If Paul were asked to list things that he most loved doing, teaching the Butler Sunday School Class would be at the top of the list. His focus was always on praying boldly and expectantly. He learned this from his grandmother, Nina who wrote: The Scope of Prayer is as wide as the universe and as high as space.

Prayers are unceasing. Frame your day in prayer. Surround every act with the promises of God. Fill every moment with fragrant praise and gratitude. Lace together the minutes, hours, weeks into a lifetime of intercession.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net