Stuart Charles Butler was born on October 26, 1953 in Kerrville, Texas to Tillie R. and Fred Butler. He was the firstborn of five children and the beloved older brother of Horace, Kenneth, Sandra, and Wendy. Stuart and his siblings were raised in San Francisco's Lakeview neighborhood, where he attended local schools and built many lifelong friendships that remained strong throughout his life.

It was in the family home on Howth Street that Stuart discovered his love for cooking. As the oldest child, he often found himself in the kitchen while his parents worked, experimenting with meals and doing his best to feed his younger siblings. What began as necessity soon became a passion that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

As a teenager, Stuart grew into a handsome young man who easily caught the attention of many young ladies - except one, Miss Antoinette Brooks. The more she seemed unimpressed, the more determined he became to win her heart. In time, she did, and the two became high school sweethearts. Although they both attended Abraham Lincoln High School, Stuart later graduated from Balboa High School in 1972. It was there he also formed a lifelong friendship with his former teacher, Nicholas Kafkas.

Shortly after graduation, Stuart followed several of his friends and enlisted in the United Stated Marine Corps. Though the experience challenged him greatly, it became one of the most meaningful decisions of his life. During his service, he developed the discipline, resilience, leadership, and strength that would define much of the man he became. He took great pride in his transformation and looked forward to returning home to share it with those he loved most - especially his one true love, "Toni."

After several proposals, Antoinette finally said yes, and the two were married on July 7, 1979. Together they built a beautiful life and raised five children: Kimani, Khary, Kai, Kevon, and Tiffany in the Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco. Their marriage endured many hardships, especially when Antoinette became seriously ill, leaving her bedridden for several years and later partially paralyzed. Through every challenge, Stuart remained devoted to his wife and family. Their enduring love became a true testament to commitment, loyalty, and perseverance.

In 2001, Stuart and his family made the life-changing move to Austin. Determined to provide a better future for his family, he worked tirelessly, often holding two jobs and working nearly 80 hours a week. After a year of hard work and sacrifice, he achieved one of his proudest accomplishments - purchasing his first home. Stuart believed deeply in providing for and protecting his family, and he hoped his example would inspire his children for generations to come.

Throughout his life, Stuart managed to hold on to two things remarkably well: his good looks and his unforgettable sense of humor. Anyone who knew him knew he always had a joke, a story, or a witty comment ready to make others laugh. Though he could be outspoken and never hesitated to stand up for what he believed was right, he also possessed a generous heart and a deep compassion for others. Whether helping those experiencing homelessness, sharing leftover food from his cooking jobs, or supporting struggling families, single mothers, and elderly neighbors, Stuart found joy in giving back. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impression and inspired many of his children and grandchildren to do the same.

Stuart leaves to cherish his memory his children: Kimani, Kai, Kevon, Tiffany, Precious Butler, and Brandon F.; his daughter-in-law Ranita; his grandchildren Jha'dei, Kalia, Kyra Butler, Starr Steven, Messiah, Khary, Kevon II, Jayda, Kimberly, Kevon Jr. Butler, Neveah Ellis, Kimani Neal, Kamiyah Brown, and Kayden Foster; and his great-granddaughter, Ahriya Butler.

He was preceded in death by his darling wife, Antoinette Butler; his dear son, Khary Butler; his beloved parents, Tillie and Fred Butler; and his sister, Sandra Butler. Stuart also leaves behind his cherished lifelong friends Nicholas Kafkas and Jerome Pitman; his siblings Horace, Kenneth, and Wendy; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Stuart Charles Butler will live on through the love, memories, and laughter he shared with all who knew him. His smile, strength, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.