JOE KELLY BUTLER was born on September 6, 1911 in Whitewright, Texas. Joe Kelly was a 4th generation Texan. He was born to Ruby Martin Butler and Alanson Brown Butler. Joe Kelly graduated from Bryan High School in 1929. He entered the University of Texas and was a member of the first class of Petroleum Engineers. He graduated with honors in 1933. He was a member of Beta Theta Phi fraternity and the Texas Cowboys. Joe Kelly began his career in the oil and gas industry with the Texas Company (Texaco). In 1941, he started Butler Drilling Company. From this modest beginning, he expanded his business over the course of the next 40 years. Joe Kelly was an avid supporter of the University of Texas and its athletic programs. In 1961, he was elected President of the UT Dad's Association and was honored with a varsity letter on the 1963 National Championship UT football team. Joe Kelly served on the Houston Independent School District Board from 1960 to 1968. He served as President of the Board in 1963 and led the HISD effort for public school integration. Joe Kelly Butler Stadium was dedicated in his honor in 1966. In 1973, he was elected to the Texas State Board of Education in 1975 and served in that capacity until 1982. Joe Kelly married Hortense (``Honky'') Tellepsen in 1938. Four children were born of this union: Tom Kelly Butler, Duncan Tellef Butler, Shelly Butler, and Merri Butler. They raised their family in Houston and remained married for 48 years. After Honkey's death in 1985, he married Roberta Woods Ray in 1987, who survives him. He is also survived by his grandchildren Duncan Tellef Butler, Jr. of Austin, Ria Butler Henderson of Houston, Burke Walker Butler of Houston, JoAnna Butler Hurley of Austin, Sean Kelly Butler of Austin, and Bryan Kelsel Butler of Houston; and by eight great grandchildren. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, September 21, 1998 at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road. Honorary Pallbearers are Radcliffe Killam, Dixon Hill Cain, C. Marks Hinton, Martin E. Hamilton, Joe C. Ward. Clyde Parker, and James L. Franklin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to The Brenham State School, Community Relations, 4001 Hwy 36 S, Brenham, Texas, 77833-9611, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas, 77056, or the charity of your choice.
Monday 09/21/1998 Houston Chronicle