Roll Call Tribute

Richard N. "Newton" Butts 

December 1, 1928 - September 24, 2023 

Richard Newton Butts passed away peacefully September 24, 2023, age 94 while residing in S.P.J.S.T. Taylor, Texas. Newton was born December 1, 1928, in Thorndale, Texas, to Lonnie George and Nell Grace Newton Butts. Following graduation from Thorndale High School at age 16, Newton aimed to play football for Texas A&M University but severely injured his back in 1945 summer practice and never played a game. Newton was a devoted Fightin' Texas Aggie and was in the Corps of Cadets. He graduated from A&M in 1949 and returned to Thorndale to teach. He was head football and girls basketball coach, also served as athletic director and elementary school principal.

Butts Dry Goods was established in 1932 by his father, L.G. Butts. Newton started helping L.G. when he was only 10 years old. In 1954, when L.G. had a heart attack, Newton stopped teaching and began running the store while his father recovered. At that time, Newton and his dad became partners in the store. Newton became sole owner of the store when his dad passed away in 1969, and continued until he retired and sold the store building in 2014. He was known for his humble low-key demeanor, customer service, and carried quality merchandise. People from miles around depended on Newton for their Levis, Wranglers, Resistol hats, Red Wing and Nocona Boots. After retirement, he so enjoyed "taking a spin" (a drive around the local countryside).

A mutual friend introduced him to the love of his life, Edwina "Tinker" on a blind date, and they married on November 27, 1960. Newton and Tinker resided in Thorndale and faithfully attended First Baptist Church for the next 60 years before moving to Taylor S.P.J.S.T. Assisted Living in 2021. Newton was an active member of the Church throughout his lifetime, and served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and Choir Director, to name just a few. He served Thorndale ISD, as a school board member, and President during the late 1970's. Newton was also a 32nd Freemason and was presented the Golden Trowel award in 2012, and was recently presented an award of appreciation for 70 years as a Master Mason.

During the 1970's and 80's Newton was the "Voice of the Bulldogs" the football game announcer, while Tinker was the "spotter". She peered through binoculars to give Newton the players' names, while Newton announced the play-by-plays.

Newton will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by the whole Thorndale Community. He never met a stranger and was always quick to say "howdy" to anyone and everyone, a habit he picked up while in the Corps.

Besides his parents, Newton was preceded in death by his wife, Tinker, and his sister, Janette Flanagan Butts. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Lennon, husband Jeff of Austin, and his son, Todd Butts, wife Laura, of Manor, Texas, and two grandchildren, Jarrod of Tiki Island, Texas, and Elizabeth also of Manor. His also leaves nieces Carolyn Kolka, husband Tom of Grosse Isle, Michigan, Donna Westermann, husband Phil of Lake Forest, California, Nell Stokes, husband Greg of Yorba Linda, California.

Newton's long life was a blessing to all. We know he is with our Lord now.

A Celebration of Life for both Newton and Tinker will be held November 4, 2023, at 2:00pm, First Baptist Church, Thorndale.

Please send Memorials in his honor to: First Baptist Church - Building Fund, PO Box 217, Thorndale, TX 76577