Virgil Elmo Butler

Virgil Butler was born on January 11, 1932, in Honey Grove, Texas at home to the parents of John Ray Butler and Daisy Short Butler. His education was in Lamar County. He met Anita Legate at Lamar High School in 1949.

Virgil decided since the draft was in place and the Korean war was active that he should enlist into the Airforce.

Virgil Butler married Anita Legate on August 9, 1952. Because of Virgil being in the Air Force they were first stationed in Newfoundland. Virgil accepted the Lord while in Newfoundland. They were then transferred to Alexandria, Louisiana where Brenda Walsworth was born then to Longview, Texas where Shannon Thompson was born then to Houston, Texas where Stacy Butler was born then back to Longview, Texas finally settling in Plano for 28 years then to their final home located in Lucas, Texas. He was a member of several different Church of Christs with his last Church being Twin Creeks Church of Christ.

Virgil received his business degree from the University of Texas on his GI Bill. He then received his master’s degree through the University of North Texas. He worked as a procurement manager for Texas Instrument, then Xerox where he retired for a bit then finally retired from Abbott Laboratories.

Virgil was an active member of the Plano Lionel Train Club. He often hauled different members trains to shows. He spent many years building his two-layer train lay with multiple trains and a large circus and scenery. He also collected fire trucks, metal cars, trucks, tractors and other items. He was an avid gardener. Canning or freezing all his produce.

Virgil was a bit of a gamesman. Every year he would go hunting and bring back deer. He was also a very good fisherman.

Virgil did extensive mission work in Cameron Africa. It spent many years spreading the word and saving souls. He preached wherever needed, including a small church in Plano. He taught many Bible classes. Virgil new the Bible well. He was truly a man of God. He also wrote a book about the Holy Spirit.

Virgil departed this life on September 10, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father Ray Butler and Daisy Butler, wife Anita Butler, his daughter Shannon Thompson, Ray Butler, sisters Lucille Phillips and Maxine Lee

Virgil is survived by two daughters Brenda Walsworth and her husband Michael Walsworth, and Stacy Butler, one brother Billy Butler and his wife Martha Butler, three granddaughters Jessica Thompson, Allison Crawford and her husband Justin Crawford, Margaret (Maggie) Watts and her husband Taylor Watts, one grandson Patrick Thompson, and a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a funeral to celebrate Virgil’s life at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Allen Family Funeral Options. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

Virgil will be laid to rest at Fitzhugh Cemetery, Lucas, Texas.