Matthew Butler: Tragic Reminder to All Family Dads
by FamilyDads · Filed Under: Legacy
by Joey Watkins
Last week a young dad was leaving his office for the night, a Christian recording studio business in Garland, Texas.
Shortly after midnight, he phoned his wife to let her know he was finished and on the way home. As he and his best friend left the building, they were shot in the parking lot and their cars were stolen.
28-year-old Matthew Butler never made it home that night.
He left behind his wife, his 2-year-old son, and his 1-year-old daughter.
What a horrible tragedy for this family.
My eyes swell with tears as I type this, knowing that Matthew’s young children will never know their dad on this side of eternity, except through their mom’s stories, photos, homemade videos, and their dad’s work — his music.
It is a painful reminder of how we dads need to live in the now with our family — not in fear — but because of our immense role in their lives, and how fragile life really is.
What are we doing as dads to create lasting memories in our children’s lives? How will they remember us if our lives on earth end prematurely? What are we teaching them? What will be their “take away” from us after we are gone?
FamilyDads will be sending a financial gift to help support Matthew’s wife Jamie and his two children Matthew Jr and McKayla. If you would like to add a contribution as a fellow FamilyDad so that we can send one large check, send your gift by paypal to familydads@gmail.com
or if you want to write a check (made payable to FamilyDads with “Matthew Butler Family” in memo section), send to:
FamilyDads
c/o Joey Watkins
2135 Chadwick Dr
Cumming, GA 30028
This tragic story was covered by the Dallas Morning News and Fox News.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Matthew was an amazing man of God; a loving husband and the best father. We are heartbroken that the babies will grow up not knowing or remembering him. We miss his beautiful smile, gorgeous eyes, his sweet, sweet spirit. Matthew loved the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul. We know that he closed his eyes on earth and was immediately in the presence of Jesus. He heard Jesus say to him, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” Matthew was a blessing to us and made a lasting impression on all who met him. We will miss you so much Matty but we’ll see you again soon for all eternity. Love you Sweetie….Mom and Dad
(If you would like to help Matt’s family there is a memorial fund “Matthew Butler Memorial Fund” set up at Washington Mutual Bank.) Thanks and God Bless You!!
I’ll truly miss Matthew.Last time I saw him he said,”come on by the studio and jam” I’m sorry we never got that chance.I am privileged that I knew you your 28 short years.My heart goes out to Theresa and Mike and Jamie and the kids.One day we will Jam together in Heaven with the best.
Matthew was a great person.The nicest person anyone had the pleasure to meet.He was the first to call me when he found out I was sick.At Christmas every year he would take the family to the studio to record Christmas songs.That made every Christmas special.I’ll miss you so much!