Tom Butler sees determined drive in Madison residents
Karen and former State Senator Tom Butler have been married for 43 years. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Apparently, former State Senator Tom Butler likes round numbers.
Butler served in the state legislature for 28 years. He and wife Karen have lived in Madison for 28 years, also.
“I had the honor of representing Madison for … 12 years in the House of Representatives and 16 in the State Senate,” Butler said. “I thoroughly enjoyed working for the people of Madison for that long period of time.”
He took office in 1982 when Madison’s population was about 4,000. When he left office in 2010, Madison had about 44,000 residents.
“My first goal was to improve Madison County Schools (which included Madison). I led efforts (for) new revenue, improving existing schools and building Liberty Middle School,” Butler said. “My last effort for our schools resulted in $175 million for BRAC-impacted schools, including several million to Madison City Schools.”
Improving schools was “a magnet that attracted people. Madison has flourished. Now, we’re on the cusp of 50,000 people,” he said.
Growing up in Huntsville, Butler learned a good work ethic from his parents. He mowed lawns, including his parents’ yard for 50 cents.
At 16, he clerked in a drug store, perking his career interest. After earning a degree in chemistry and biology at the University of Alabama, Butler enrolled in University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center and graduated in medical technology. “My roots in pharmacy sent me to Auburn University (for) a degree in pharmacy,” Butler said.
During pharmacy internship at Huntsville Hospital, Tom met Karen, a registered nurse in ICU. They just celebrated 43 years of marriage.
Their daughters, Robin and Jill, graduated from Bob Jones High School. The Butlers enjoyed “Friday Night Lights” watching the Bob Jones Patriots with cheerleaders and dance team (Jill and Robin), along with Bob Jones Band (Tom played in the band).
Robin lives in Monrovia and has four children — Tommy, Aliyah, Ben and Judah. “We lost Jill in August 2010 to a brain tumor. She was a third-grade teacher at Monrovia Elementary and loved her students,” Butler said.
Butler’s volunteering resume is vast, with board membership at colleges, children’s healthcare agencies, Gideon’s International and Republican groups. Semi-retired, Butler works part time as a pharmacist for Rite Aid.
His favorite meals are Little Libby’s catfish, Smokey’s Brunswick stew, Main Street Cafe’s meatloaf and Bento Box.
