Details
About Thomas Mark Butler
Thomas Mark Butler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully in Mesa, AZ, on May 5, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born on August 1, 1952, in Monterey Park, Los Angeles, California, Tom lived a life defined by faith, family, and selfless service to the Lord.
Tom served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines, where his love for sharing the gospel and uplifting others grew. He attended Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life and eternal companion, Marilyn Earl, while playing drums as a BYU Young Ambassador. The two were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Utah Temple on February 20, 1976.
Tom and Marilyn were blessed with six children, who were their greatest joys. As a devoted father, Tom instilled within his children a love of music and the values of faith and selfless service. His legacy of love extended to his cherished grandchildren, who brought him endless joy.
Tom worked with his brothers in the tile and stone business. A faithful servant of the Lord, Tom lived his life in devotion and service to his family and others. His goodness and unwavering testimony touched countless lives. He served as a bishop and in various callings within the church, always striving to reflect the Savior’s love.
Tom is survived by his eternal companion, Marilyn Earl Butler, their six children, David (Suzanne), Melanie (Sjon), Jacob, Heidi (Tylan), Holly (Stephen), and Aaron (Aubrie), and 19 beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd LeMarr and Anna Deon Clark Butler.
Tom’s family finds comfort in the knowledge that he is reunited with loved ones in the presence of the Lord, and they look forward to the day they will be together again as an eternal family.
A funeral service will be held on May 24th at 10:00 am at the LDS chapel at 1249 S. 48th St. in Mesa to celebrate Tom’s life and faith. The service will be preceded by a viewing at 9:00-9:45 and followed by an interment at the Mesa Cemetery.
For those unable to attend the service in person it will be viewable online with this link: https://zoom.us/j/94738604388
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
9 comments
Alan Merrill
To one of the great ones! Marilyn, my heart aches for you and your family in the passing of your beloved Tom! I’m certain there are countless souls on the other side who are thanking him for the sacred family history work that you led in our stake for many years. I count it a great blessing and honor to have known served with him.
Bill Romney
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My brother, Scott and Tom were close friends and Scott passed away several years ago. I have no doubt that they are together renewing their friendship.
Jane Garvin
Tom was such a good man. He gave countless hours to his Ward family. He was in the scouting program for years and helped contribute to so many young men’s scouting journey. Thank you Tom Butler! My heart goes out to the Butler family, to Marilyn and his wonderful children!
Robert NeVille
RIP my friend
Robert NeVille
We’ve been friends for a long time while living in the 25th Ward..May the gospel add comfort knowing we’ll be together again..
Ronda Wildung
A giant of a man of faith in Christ. I loved working with him on family history. My deepest condolences to his dear wife and family.
Mark Dixon
Marilyn and family. My sincere condolences. Marilyn was my closest friend when we were growing up in the Las Vegas Central stake where our fathers were both stake presidents and bishops together. It was their responsibility to locate a proper site for the Las Vegas temple. They were the closest friends for decades. I met Tom at he and Marilyn’s wedding. To their children your parents are celestial beings. My life would not be the same without the Earl Family. Our prayers are for each of you.
Ric & Deney Paul
Our hearts and prayers go out to our cherished neighbors.
Bill butler
You will be missed. RIP Uncle Tom