Tom Butler

Thomas Aaron Butler Sr., 79, of Paducah passed away on March 31, 2017 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center. He was born in Martin, TN to Fred and Maurine Butler on December 13, 1937. Butler graduated from North Side High School in Jackson, TN and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Union University in 1961.  His career in broadcasting began as a play by play announcer during his high school years at North Side and continued as a DJ at WTJS in Jackson, TN.

Butler began his career in television in 1962 at WPSD-TV and retired as Vice President of News/Anchor in 1997. During his career, he interviewed presidents, covered monumental local and national events, mentored many up and coming outstanding journalists and was welcomed into thousands of homes nightly.  As a result of his passion, natural talent and journalistic integrity, he will be inducted into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame on April 28, 2017.

Butler, a devout Christian, served as Choir Director/Music Minister at East Baptist Church for 42 years.  In addition, he served as a Deacon for over 30 years and Chairman of the Deacons for 25 years.  Butler was elected as a Delegate to the Kentucky Baptist Convention and in 2000 was nominated as President  of the organization.  His familiar baritone singing voice was often heard at local and regional churches and the WPSD Telethon of Stars.

Butler served as President of the Community Concert Association of Paducah for several years. He was an avid golfer and was a familiar sight on his favorite golf course, Paxton Park.

Tom and Janice Butler were married in 2005. They traveled extensively, sang together and enjoyed time with their church family.

Butler was devoted to his family.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Phyllis.  Together they had two children, Tom Jr. and Amy. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Maurine Butler and sister, Betty McCleary. Butler is survived by his wife Janice; son Tom Butler Jr. and wife Gail; daughter Amy Leigh Butler; grandchildren Lauren Michelle Barrow, Randall E. (R2) Barrow, Shawn Chester and Tony Chester; great grandson Aaron Chester; brothers Jimmy Butler, Larry Butler, and Rod Butler.  He will also be missed and lovingly  remembered by nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 4 at Heartland Worship Center.  Visitation will be held at Heartland on Monday, April 3, from 4 PM to 8 PM and from 10 AM to 12 PM on Tuesday.

Lindsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at P.O. Box 7100 Paducah, KY 42002.