Roland Butler, beloved husband, father, son, and grandfather, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 21, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Left to celebrate his life are his wife of 28 years, Patricia Butler, four children: Patrick Allen of Elbert, Colorado; Monica Nelson and her husband Bobby of Kyle, Texas; Michele Bassett and her husband Roland Jr. of Galveston; Kevin Allen and his wife Diana Stevens of Galveston; his father, Reuben Butler of New Braunfels; two grandchildren, Alex and Allison Bassett of Galveston; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and countless former music students.

Roland was born in Houston, Texas on June 4, 1943 to James Reuben and Madalene S. Butler. He showed an early aptitude and love for music and as a student was named to All State Orchestra. He went on to earn a Bachelor�s Degree in Music and a Master�s Degree in Education.  In addition to many private students, he taught music for 36 years in Galveston schools, serving as Band Director of Austin Junior High, Central Eighth Grade School, Central Middle School, and, most recently before his retirement, as Ball High School Band Director. After retirement, Roland took up fishing and bowling and enjoying time with his grandchildren.  Music remained an important part of his life as he performed with area musical groups and organizations.

During his career, his students and bands were consistently recognized for their excellence, having performed in competition all across the country at all levels. Most gratifying to Roland were the achievements of his former students, many of whom are band instructors, administrators, and educators themselves. He took great pride in that legacy.

In recent weeks, Roland and his family have received many cards, letters, and emails from numerous former students and their parents, expressing their love and encouragement. These will be cherished as testimonials to the enduring gift and power of his life. His students wrote of their gratitude: �I�m so glad you didn�t give up on us���I want to thank you for holding my hand partway along the road and helping me to grow up with a sense of security and promise.� Another wrote, �He really was an icon for flute teachers�I remember feeling so incredibly honored.�  Still another said, �I thank you for everything you�ve taught me, your patience, your support, and your belief in me�you are always with me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.�  A parent of a former student wrote, �Thank God for people like you who come into children�s lives in those critical teen years, when parents are ignored, but they listen to people like you!�  Filled with his love of music and faith in young people, Roland has truly touched the future. 

Pallbearers will be Patrick Allen, Kevin Allen, Bobby Nelson, Roland Bassett, Jr., Dr. Edward Mallia, and Henry Oppermann. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Stevens, Les Horner, Thomas Howard, Vernon Lock, Kathryn Wilkie, and Jack Dennis.   

Visitation will be Friday, February 23, 2007, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home at 5 p.m. and a memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. at Malloy & Son on Saturday, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Galveston.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Maurice Willis of UTMB, Ron Smith and the other wonderful nurses who cared for Roland.  Special thanks go to Ms. Audrey Esbrand and Michelle Cannon for their many kindnesses.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care Team, 1708 Amburn, Suite C, Texas City, TX 77591, or to the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be sent to the family at butler.roland@gmail.com.