Melinda Carol Butler

Funeral services for Melinda Carol Butler, 81, of Gainesville are set for 10:00 AM Friday, November 3, 2023 at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Chennault officiating.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Butler was born December 26, 1941 in Springfield, OH.  She passed away October 28, 2023 in Gainesville.  She lived in Gainesville almost all of her life and was raised by her loving parents Burl and Marion (Campbell) Sanderson.

Melinda is survived by her daughter Lori Painter; daughter-in-Christ Kelly Bucker and her husband Maury; daughter Jennie Butler; grandchildren Meredith and husband Rafael Larraga, Katherine and Alexander Parkhill, Ryan Ramirez, Sadie Thornhill, Sielar Hair; great-grandchildren Jovanni “Jovi”, Sadie, Annie, Karley Larraga.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Vicky and Donnie Miller; cherished nephews Eric and Clint Miller.

Mrs. Butler was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 33 years Larry Dean Butler.

Melinda has been a member of Temple Baptist Church since August 3, 1986.  She was a member of horseback ministries Glory Riders, member of National Barrel Horse Association; barrel raced, showed goats for many years ending her career placing 2nd and 3rd at this year’s Texas State Fair.  She was also inducted into the American Dairy Goat Association as a Pioneer Woman where she was a 45-year member. Melinda held a Bachelor’s from Tarleton State University in Agriculture and a minor in Journalism.

Mrs. Butler began her career as an elementary teacher at Graford Elementary, Rad Ware Elementary, and in New Braunfels as well taught English as a second language to Saudi Arabian Airline employees at TWU.

Melinda was employed by the State of Texas Child Protective Services for over three decades, ending her career as an investigator, impacting and protecting many young lives in Cooke, Wise, and Montague counties.  Her latest employment was with Temple Baptist Church.

Mrs. Butler was an avid dancer in her early years, participating in ballet, tap, and jazz dancing.

Melinda’s faith led her on many travels around the world including Israel, one of her favorite places.  She dedicated herself to many mission trips abroad and was a dedicated member of her church, Sunday School and bible study teacher for the past 20 years.

She was devoted to the Lord; a true woman of faith.  If you knew Melinda you knew her love for the Lord.

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