Marc Charles Butler

Marc Charles Butler, 32, of Galveston passed away on April 8, 2020.  He was born September 22, 1987 in Galveston.  He was raised in Dickinson but his BOI heart belonged to Galveston.  Marc was a graduate of Dickinson High School, Galveston College and the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Marc had a kind and gentle soul with a smile and laugh that could brighten your day.  He was a loyal friend, a good brother, nephew, cousin, a beloved son and grandson. His super power was making new friends wherever he went.  His greatest joy was being an uncle.  His greatest passion was to swim.  During high school he set many swim records at Dickinson.  At the State Finals 2006, Marc got 9th place in the 50 yard freestyle event . And his freestyle relay team also took ninth place.  He swam 3 miles several times a week with his step brother at the Lowry Center, until it closed due to the COVID crisis.  Marc was a Galveston Beach Patrol Lifeguard for several years, a job that he felt was an honor.  He worked countless hours with the Beach Patrol during the Hurricane Ike recovery.  He faithfully called home every day to give an update and let his family know he was safe.

Marc had a strong faith in the Lord.  He grew up in the Dickinson First United Methodist Church family and enjoyed many events while a child and a young adult.

He was preceded in death by his uncles Bill Miller of FL, Reg Miller of CA, aunts Kate  Kobelak of OH, Sandi Butler of IN, and his maternal grandparents Harley and Jeanne Miller of MO.

He is survived by his large and loving family, mother Deborah and husband Wally Deats of Dickinson, father Chuck and wife Denise Butler of Galveston, sister Katie and husband Sky Decker and son Von, step-brother Randy Hines of Galveston, step-sister Mandy Deats Cavanaugh of New Braunfels, step-brother Jason Deats, “grandma” Marina Decker, and grandparents  Pat and Ken Butler of Kingdom City, Mo. He leaves behind many cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends.

A private service for immediate family will be held soon.  And a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, for family and friends.  The memorial will include the beach and the Sandbar, as Marc would have wanted. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gulf Coast Epilepsy Alliance Texas City at https://gceatx.org/, This local non-profit’s mission is to bring awareness of epilepsy, a condition of the brain causing seizures.

11 comments

  1. Deb and all,
    Keeping you, Katie and all close in my heart and lifting you all up in prayers for peace. At the same time, I am praising God for this beautiful gift of Marc, who loved and lived life to the fullest. Memories of him running full tilt as a toddler to empowering and encouraging everyone on swim team, and always, always that great smile and a big hug are some of the gifts he leaves me with. He has left so many gifts with so many people. He touched the world in unique and wonderful ways, and it is certainly a better place because he was in it.
    Love you Deb. Find the biggest brightest star in the night sky; that’ll be Marc, twinkling at you and all of us. Blessings and the peace of Jesus to all of you.
    Love, Mindy

    Mindy Stallings
    • Thank you Mindy. Love you. We miss him so much.

      Deb
  2. Marc was an amazing soul and character that would lighten up your day no matter how bad it was going. His laugh was addicting his smile genuine and his passion for the ocean limitless. I was fortunate enough as a young boy to be Introduced to Marc and his family whom took me to church, garner state park, his swim meets, and allowed us to be happy young boys. Staying in touch with Marc over the years and keeping close with him is something I will hold dearly. Chuck, Deb, Katie and many others I am heartbroken with you but we will stay strong and All carry a piece of Marc with us in some sort of fashion. May you rest eternally with the Lord brother. See you again one day.

    Wesley Bryce
  3. Marc Butler was a fine young man and always brightened my day as he did everyone. He was a respected waterman in the pool and the ocean. I met Marc around 1994 coaching him and Wes in tee-ball and those were good times as all times with Marc were. He called me when he got his first surfboard and couldn’t wait to get in the water with his friends. Always enjoyed Marc even when he and Wes got in innocent young boy trouble after a trip to the frio with his family and friends. That was actually funny although I had to act like it wasn’t at the time. I will miss him always. First class guy. I pray for Marcs family and all that love him that time will heal their hearts as much as possible. Rest In Peace with God Marc Butler.

    Michael Bryce
  4. Debbie and family
    Sorry to hear of your loss. Such a young life taken too soon.
    We wish you all the best.
    Love cousins Marilyn and Julia from Connecticut

    Marilyn LoRusso
  5. Words cannot express how sorry I am for this terrible loss. Marc always had a smile on his face as a little boy. Of course Katie was always in and out of our house with Ashley, and many times Marc would follow them with the dog in tow. Such sweet times. I have always loved your beautiful family. Marc got his contagious smile from his mama. May God put his arms tightly around you and give you and the entire family comfort and strength. Marc will live on in each of your hearts. I am praying for you all.

    Karen Crowder-Martin
  6. Praying for you at this difficult time.
    May it help knowing so many care.

    Love hugs & God Be With You
    Betty Henry

    Betty Henry
  7. Deb and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around each of you and give you the strength in the days ahead.

    Kim Thomas-Phelps
  8. Deborah and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you guys in my prayers. Let me k is if there’s anything we can do for you.
    Kirk Cox

    Kirk Cox
  9. Deb and Family,

    So sorry for your loss, I can’t image the overwhelming sadness, especially in this difficult environment. Please know that we are thinking of you, and you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.

    God Bless,
    Kathy (Klass) & Steve Salyer

    Kathy Klass Salyer
  10. Debbie,
    John and I are so saddened by this news. Marc was an outstanding athlete and student at DHS. His skills and work ethic were amazing. I am certain this glorious angel will be looking after you and Wally and all members of your family. I am at loss of words, but know that our hearts ache for you as he was so darn special and you were blessed with an adoring son. Our prayers are with you.

    Kat and John Bruysschaard

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