Thomas “Tom” Butler, 78, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 at EW & Lucille Cates House (Hospice of Marion County).

Tom was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1948. He was adopted by Patricia and Leo Butler and raised in a loving home on Grand Avenue. After graduating from Benilde High School, he served in Vietnam as a US Army Sergeant. Upon returning home, Tom attended the University of Minnesota and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance. He worked as a financial analyst for several years before finding his true professional calling in commercial real estate with Developers Diversified.

Tom lived life to the fullest and gathered friends and stories wherever he went—whether he was throwing legendary house parties in Minneapolis, valeting cars at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, backpacking through Central America, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, or spending time golfing and boating under the Florida sun.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen. His adventurous spirit lives on in his three children, Sharon (Butler) Habeger, Erin Butler, and Crosby Makay-Butler, and three grandchildren. Tom’s remains will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota.