Jonathan Pierce Butler

Jonathan Pierce Butler was born to Bill and Kay Butler in Galveston, Texas on October 28, 1976 and died on October 31, 2026 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, TX after a battle with cancer. Pierce was “Twin A” , weighing 3 lbs. 2 oz. and he made his entrance two months early. His brother, Jeremy David Butler, lived two days before succumbing to complications of hypoxia. It was touch and go for Pierce for two weeks and every few grams of formula taken in by this tiny infant was a victory celebration.
From an early age it was apparent that Pierce could be destined for great things. He was very intelligent and one of his elementary teachers said he could be “President of the United States” if he continued on his learning path and resulting high test scores.
Pierce always gravitated toward adults in the neighborhood, learning useful skills from people like Vince Triner and Tommy Melton, besides his dad and granddads. Others who positively affected him along the way were Michael Hoke, Russell Cronin, Doug Rogers and Barbara Dardeau. He went on adventurous Bios trips with Mike Hoke; and Russell, Doug and Barbara helped him find his voice as a trombonist and vocalist. He loved singing “Light My Fire” in the high school pop group and later singing in Lamar Orange’s Cardinal Moods under Jeri Paris.
Pierce was very industrious in his youth. He worked for Wyatt’s Cafeteria, Triple L Honda, M&D Supply, and later Parker Lumber, Home Depot and Welch Furniture. He accumulated approximately 75 hours college work at LU Beaumont, LSCO, Texas A&M and LIT, but he never finished a degree plan.
Pierce is survived by his parents, Bill and Kay Butler; his brother, Rob Butler; and his son, Jonathan Clyde Butler. He is also survived by beloved aunts, Janice Jimerson, Sandy Easterling (Robert) and Pat Butler Dyson (Jeff). He leaves behind numerous cousins that he enjoyed water skiing with and tinkering with old cars. He also leaves behind his old orange tabby cat, Oscar, who has been by his side for many years.
Pierce was preceded in death by his twin brother, Jeremy David; his beloved grandparents, Bill and Ollie Butler, John O. Young, and Joy Cecile Parish (Monroe); and by his uncles, John O. Young, Jr., Bob Butler, Tom Edmondson and Tommy Jimerson. He was also preceded in death by two close older friends who lived next to him, Martin Smith and Charles Abbott.
Special friends Pierce leaves behind are the James Welch family, especially David and Keith Welch; and his first wife, April Elizabeth Butler, who helped him for the past two years.
We mourn the death of our son but take comfort in the hope that he is reunited with his brother. We remember the words spoken by Jesus to the thief on the cross, “This day you will be with me in paradise.”
Cremation was handled by Simple Tributes/Claybar Funeral Home. Special thanks to the Harbor Hospice staff and Nurse Elisa, Social Worker CaSundra, and CNA Altavese. They took wonderful care of him for over a month.