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.
You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com
