FREDERICK PAIGE BUTLER

Frederick Paige Butler, 83, of Columbus, Texas, formerly of Houston, died peacefully at home of heart disease, on September 22, 2023.

Paige was born May 24, 1940, to Noreen King Butler and Frederick Paige Butler, Sr., in South Boston, Virgina. He graduated from Lane High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1958, working his way through high school in a grocery store, and through college playing poker (a tradition his grandson continues). He attended the University of Virginia, graduating in 1962.

After graduation and four years in the U.S. Air Force, Paige began a lifelong career in the insurance industry in Houston, first writing bonds for utility contractors and eventually insuring oil and gas enterprises. He designed and licensed a control-of-well coverage package which became an international standard marketed through Lloyd’s of London.

Paige and Ann Rick Lewis were married in 1977, and when friends commented on their long marriage, he would laugh and say it was only because they never wanted a divorce at the same time.

Paige was a lover of beautiful things: clothes, antiques, jewelry, cars, and art; he and Ann collected black and white photographs. He collected stamps; in recent years amassing one of the largest collections in the world of pre-revolutionary Cuban stamps. Paige loved taking ocean cruises; he loved big cities, particularly Manhattan; he loved fine food, trying new restaurants and old dives, and the friends who shared these pleasures with him. He loved laughing and had an offbeat sense of humor that frequently confounded his family and friends, and while he often said he aspired to be a curmudgeon, he actually was incredibly generous, especially to his family, who were the joy of his life.

Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Chip, and his dear brother- in-law David Foster, Paige leaves his wife Ann; children Robert Butler, Madeleine Butler, Brandy Jeffries and husband Scott, and Frederick Paige Butler III; grandchildren Sarah Jeffries and Matthew Jeffries, all of whom he adores, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, a grandniece and two grandnephews, and his cherished dog Dewey.

The family will plan a celebration of life in the future.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange. Please share your thoughts and fond memories online at fayettememorialfuneralhome. com.