Dates
Louis (Papa Lou or Doc) Butler, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 28, 2018. Lou was born on December 16, 1934 and grew up in San Diego, California. He received both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemistry and geology from San Diego State University and received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, Champaign.
Lou served in the United States Air force from 1955 to 1959 and had his introduction to the marine sciences as an oceanographer with the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory on Point Loma, California. He sailed as chief scientist aboard U.S. Navy, Scripps Institution for Oceanography, and NOAA vessels.
In 1964, Lou went to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and joined the Office of Research and Development of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey which set him on a path with his passion for oceanography, meteorology, and marine environmental quality with various departments and laboratories within NOAA. His various research and positions took him to California, Florida, Alaska, Colorado and Maryland. Among Lou’s work accomplishments were his reports for the Secretary of Commerce after the Exxon Valdez oil spill and serving as the U.S. representative regarding trailblazing reports written for the U.N. committee on global warming and the impact of the rise of oceans on urban populations.
After more than 30 years with NOAA, Lou retired from the Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment (ORCA) in 1996 to continue to pursue his passion for the ocean. He enjoyed cruising throughout the world and spent some time as a cruise travel agent. He pursued his love of learning by taking classes in art history and even became a master gardener. In 2014, Lou moved to San Angelo, Texas and joined the residents at Brookdale. Lou will be remembered for his love of science and all-natural occurring beauty. Lou was known for his booming voice, joy for singing, and desire to lead those around him on the cruise adventure of a lifetime.
Lou is predeceased by his parents Grace and Louis Butler, and his first wife and mother of his sons Susannah Butler.
Lou is survived by his cruise partner and wife Carol Steadman, his brother Richard Butler, his sons Louis W. Butler, III (and his wife Elaine), and Martin Butler (and his wife Nancy), his grandchildren: Amanda Purvis (and her husband David), Sydney Kucharyson (and her husband Josh), Davis Butler, and Hannah Butler, and 7 great-grandchildren: Tre, Demetrius, Laila, Noah, and Charli Kate Purvis, and Logan and Mason Kucharyson. He is also survived by his stepchildren Craig Steadman (and his wife Mary Jane), and Karolyn Gardner (and her husband Joe) and step-grandchildren: Alexander Steadman (and his wife Sydney), Chris Steadman, Ethan Gardner, Daniel Gardner, and Brandon Gardner.
Special thanks to all the staff at Brookdale, San Angelo Community Hospital and Kindred Hospice. There will be a small private family service. Memorial donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.