Trent Butler

Born in Wichita Falls, TX on February 16, 1941 Departed on July 5, 2020 and resided in Gallatin, TN Visitation: Hendersonville First Baptist ChurchThursday July 9, 2020 1:00pm to 3:00pmA Celebration of Life: Hendersonville First Baptist ChurchThursday July 9, 2020 3:00pm
Dr. Trent Craver Butler

Born in Wichita Falls, TX on February 16, 1941

Departed on July 5, 2020 and resided in Gallatin, TN

Visitation: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Thursday July 9, 2020 1:00pm to 3:00pmA Celebration of Life: Hendersonville First Baptist Church Thursday July 9, 2020 3:00pm

Gallatin, TN- Dr. Trent Craver Butler, Ph.D, M.Div, devoted father and husband and noted theological scholar, died at Morningside Senior Living facility on July 5, 2020. He was 79 years old.

Dr. Butler was born in Wichita Falls, TX on February 16th, 1941 and grew up in Sweetwater, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Juel Butler; his brother, Jerry; and his first wife, Mary Roanna Butler. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Mary Martin; his sons from his first marriage, Curt (Jill) and Kevin (Alexa) Butler; and three children from Mary Martin's first marriage, Martin (Allison) Spears, Ben (Mary) Spears, and Mary Webb Spears Nolan (Steven); as well as seven grandchildren: Brynn and Jacob Butler, and Adeline, Beatrice, Evelyn, Cord, and Anna Spears.

Dr. Butler earned his undergraduate degree (and later a Distinguished Alumni award) from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. He followed that with a Master's in Old Testament Theology from Southern Baptist Seminary and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in biblical studies and linguistics. He did post-doctoral work at the University of Heidelberg, Germany and in Zurich, Switzerland. He also participated in the archaeological excavation of Beersheba, Israel.

Dr. Butler pastored churches in Atlanta, GA and Springfield, TN as well as serving as interim pastor at a number of churches across Europe. He served ten years on the faculty of the International Baptist Seminary in Ré�schlikon, Switzerland, and for twenty-five years as editor and editorial director for the Baptist Sunday School Board (later Lifeway), mostly with Holman Bible Publishers division. He also served as Vice President and Editorial Director for Chalice Press.

Dr. Butler was a prolific writer and editor. He wrote the Word Biblical Commentary volume on Joshua and Judges, the Layman's Bible Book Commentary on Isaiah, the Holman Old Testament Commentaries on Isaiah and Hosea through Micah, the Holman New Testament Commentary on Luke, and Six Ways to Study the Bible, as well as more than 60 scholarly publications. He served on the editorial Board of the Holman Christian Standard Bible and edited the incredibly successful Holman Bible Dictionary.

Dr. Butler also served his community as a deacon at First Baptist Church Gallatin and later, First Baptist Church Hendersonville. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Union University in Jackson, TN.

The family would like to thank the staff of Morningside of Gallatin for the outstanding care and service for Dr. Butler as well as his team of wonderful personal caregivers.

Dr. Butler will be buried on Thursday, July 9th, at Hopewell Baptist Church in Springfield, TN in a service by Dr. Bruce Chesser. Visitation will also be on Thursday at First Baptist Church Hendersonville from 1-3 pm with a celebration of life service at the church to follow at 3 p.m by Dr. Bruce Chesser and Dr. Larry Gilmore. Those wishing to attend are asked to be careful of the current health crisis and take precautions. Social distancing will be adhered to and the family asks that masks be worn.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Jacob Butler, George Connors, Dr. Tommy Crunk, Butch Cushenberry, Danny Greer, Ray Maddux, Wayne Mason, Dale Mercer, Cord Spears, Lynn Starks, and Ben West.

Memorial donations may be made to the Evangelical Theological Society at PO Box 776487, Chicago IL 60677-6487 or to First Baptist Church Hendersonville at 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com. (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555

14 Comments Jon Weidner July 6, 2020 at 5:32 pm - Reply

Mary Martin and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ruth Wright July 6, 2020 at 8:38 pm - Reply

So very sorry for you loss. Our thought and Prayers are with you and the Family. He was a kind, generous person and will be missed.

God Bless Each of You. Ruth, Jay, Tracy and JoAnn Wright

Ruth Douthett July 7, 2020 at 12:46 am - Reply

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am very sorry for your loss Mary I know this has been a difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Good Bless
Ruth Douthett

Susan D Grinnell July 7, 2020 at 1:20 am - Reply

Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family.

Cleo Spears July 7, 2020 at 10:47 am - Reply

Mary Martin and family so sorry for your loss.May God comfort each and everyone of you.Love and prayers Cleo and Shirley Spears

Terri Glowacki July 7, 2020 at 2:48 pm - Reply

Mary Martin and family so sorry for your loss. We still remember having breakfast with you and Trent at Cafe 393. You will be in our prayers for comfort. Terri and Duck Glowacki

Larry Yarborough July 7, 2020 at 5:06 pm - Reply

Mary Martin, My sincere condolences and sympathy for your loss. My friend, Trent, was a rock-solid employee of LifeWay. He was gracious, extremely competent, and helpful to other employees. He will be missed – he was significantly appreciated and loved.

Tom Neal, Jr. July 7, 2020 at 5:44 pm - Reply

Mary Martin , so sorry for you loss. I understand what a difficult season this has been for you and I continue to treasure the book you gave me when Betty Ruth died.

Leigh Anne Burtchaell July 8, 2020 at 7:27 pm - Reply

Kevin and Curt-
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a delightful Christian man who I'm privileged to have known during your years at JBC.

Sincerely,
Leigh Anne Burtchaell (Scheuerman)

Judy Blankenship July 8, 2020 at 7:54 pm - Reply

Dearest Curt and Kevin,
Mark and I wanted you to know how much we loved your dad, mom and you boys. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to your dad for being everything we could have ever hoped for in a fiend. And, we are praying for you, during these trying times.
Even though we can't be with you on Friday, we celebrate that your dad is made whole and someday we will join him in heaven. And,
what a day of rejoicing that will be.
God bless you and all those you love,
Mark and Judy Blankenship

Judy Blankenship July 8, 2020 at 7:59 pm - Reply

I am so sorry I didn't catch the word that was misspelled. It should have said friend.

Sandy Wilson July 8, 2020 at 8:28 pm - Reply

I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you and the family.

Peggy Smith July 9, 2020 at 3:38 pm - Reply

Mary Martin, Mom and I won't make it to visitation. You are in my prayers. Wish Mary Webb Happy Birthday on Sunday.

Luigi E. Di Fortunato August 24, 2020 at 8:34 am - Reply

Dear Mary, dear family, our sincere condolences for your loss. It was always a pleasure to talk to Trent and have had him for a course or two while at IBTS Ré�schlikon (1973-1980). May the Lord bless you and keep you. Luigi, with wife Hanna.

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