On August 1, 2014 at 2:08 p.m. at his home in Rensselaer, New York the Lord whispered unto Nathan, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; I will be with you for you are mine.” And with that blessed assurance from the Father, and his loving family surrounding his bedside Nathan transitioned from this life into his new life.
Nathan was the fourth son born to Tony and Fannie Butler. Nathan was an energetic child that loved and excelled in sports. Nathan developed his skills for sports at the Tracy Street playground as well as on the street on which he lived – First Street. It was during these years that Nathan met and formed a friendship with Kenneth (Kenny) Starteri, a friendship that would last 50 years. At an early age and barely out of high school Nathan was thrust into a new role, the role of “Father” a role that would set the stage for future blessings. Nathan eldest son DyWane was born and for many years the two enjoyed life together until Nathan met and married the love of his life Susan (Hindes) Butler.
Nathan’s role expanded from “father to husband” and with the expansion of roles came an expansion of family and what once was two became seven (Bianca, Nathaniel, Seth and Brandon). Nathan loved his children and could be found on the sidelines cheering them on or at award dinners or at parent/teachers night, graduations, and college orientations – whatever the event Nathan could be found. Nathan understood the importance of passing on family values and would share stories with his family about his adventures, mistakes as well as life’s lessons that he had learned along the way. Nathan also shared his skills as a master mason with his son’s and would take them along on job sites much like his father had done with him.
Nathan’s roles continued to expand and he became a proud Grandfather or PaPa to Christian, Madeline, Emily, Cameron, Jamison, Brionna, and Peyton. Left to cherish in his memories are five brother’s (Earnest, Tony, Howard, David and Arthur) and five sisters (Marie, Annie, Lillie, Rita and Faye), a host of Nieces, Nephews, Great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Proceeding Nathan in death is his mother and father (Tony & Fannie Butler) brothers (James and Joseph) sisters (Irene, Nannie Belle, and Rebecca).
Nathan loved God, Church, gospel music and family. Knowing that his time was near Nathan passed on to his children what was passed on to him by his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The message being passed on was simple and clear “stick together, love one another and love family”. Nathan never gave up even though the outward shell was shutting down; he knew that his spirit was being renewed each and every day. Nathan began to fix his thoughts on what was true, honorable, right, pure and lovely. Nathan is absent from those of us who remain; and present with HE who is excellent and worthy of praise. Funeral from the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church, 105 Second St. Albany Thursday at 11AM. Family and friends are invited to call prior to the service at the church from 9-11AM. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer, Wednesday from 4-7 PM. Interment will be in New Rural Cemetery, East Greenbush.