Charles Morgan Butler, 87, of Starkville, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi, after a 4-month illness.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Jewell DeBardeleben Butler; his daughters, Louise Ebentier (Jim), Kathy Hord, and Jeanne Butler;  his sister, Beverly Edwards (Dick);  his brother-in-law, P. Caldwell DeBardeleben (Patty); and four grandchildren, Darcy McCargar (Steve), James Ebentier, Laura Hord and Scott Hord, who all loved him dearly.

Born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee, the son of Thomas Owen and Dorothy Morgan Butler, Charley was the third of six children. Owen Jr., Robert, Fran and Jean Ann preceded him in death.

A graduate of The United States Military Academy (West Point), he served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator.  After marrying the love of his life in 1958, he continued his academic achievements with a master’s of science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from MIT, and a master’s of science and PhD in mathematics from The University of Alabama.  After leaving the Air Force, he taught at both The University of Alabama and Mississippi State University, where he was professor emeritus.

Charley was a member of the Presbyterian Church and had been active in the local Exchange Club (where he had served as president), and a local tutoring program for underprivileged youth. He took many opportunities for academic enrichment, including a summer consulting job for NASA in 1976.  He was an enthusiastic philanthropist and had several favorite charities.  He also spent countless hours on projects for his children and lovingly trained the family pets.

A graveside funeral service will be held July 7, 2017, at 11 a.m. in New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma with the Rev. Cecil Williamson officiating and with Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.

You may visit www.lawrencebrownservice.com to offer the family condolences.