John Harvey Butts, 93, of San Augustine, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on November 24, 2025. Born on July 8, 1932, in San Augustine, he spent his life rooted in the community he loved.
John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War before beginning a professional career. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, he first worked as a Certified Public Accountant. He later devoted many years to the electric cooperative industry, serving as Manager of Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative and Tex-La Electric Cooperative of Texas Inc. John also served as President of the First National Bank of San Augustine, where he was known for his steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to the people of his hometown.
John was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Mathews Butts; his son, Patrick McRae Butts and wife Melanie of Arlington, Texas; and his stepdaughters, Sylvia Bay and husband Scott of Houston, Texas, and Paige Kapp and husband Kirby of Conroe, Texas.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley Jones and husband Jordan of Arlington, Texas, Samuel Butts of Stephenville, Texas, Ainsley Butts of Arlington, Texas, Bill Bay and wife Lauren of Spring, Texas, Suzanne Knebel and husband Ryan of Dallas, Texas, Taylor Martin and wife Sara of Raleigh, North Carolina, Mary Kathryn Martin of Austin, Texas, and Wilson Martin and wife Molly of Richardson, Texas.
John was blessed with many great-grandchildren, Jack and Jesse Jones, Aubrey and Reagan Martin, Henry and William Bay, Wendy, Jane and Thomas Martin, and James Knebel, all of whom brought him great joy.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Mathews Butts; his sons, John Mathews Butts and Michael Scott Butts; and his parents, Minnie Thomson Butts and DeGraffenreid Butts.
A longtime member of the San Augustine Methodist Church, John lived a life marked by conviction, service, and devotion to others. He will be remembered for his faithfulness, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family and community.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home chapel, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his honor may be made to Shriners Hospitals, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Texas Children’s Hospital.
Visit www.wymanrobertsfh.com for memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.