Otha G. “Butch” Eddlemon passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, in Arlington after battling lung cancer.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday in Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials: Donations may be made to American Cancer Society or to A Wish With Wings.

Butch was born March 19, 1942, to Otha Ray and Lola Hamm Eddlemon in Italy, Texas. He lived in Waxahachie until 14 years of age when the family moved to Italy to open a Dairy Mart restaurant. He was an athlete who loved football and was active in all school activities. He graduated from Italy High School in 1960 as salutatorian, attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood for two years and graduated from the University of North Texas with honors in 1964.

His first coaching job was at Haltom Junior High in Fort Worth and later at Dawson High School in Dawson. He joined Fidelity Union Life Insurance Co. and ended his 25-year career there as a regional vice president for the southeast U.S. Butch then joined Troy Aikman Auto Mall as a sales representative until his retirement.

One of his greatest joys was coaching the Butler Bronco football teams for his sons for six years. He also helped to coach the Optimist baseball teams. He continued to support the sports programs at Lamar High School. Butch was an avid golfer and loved to travel. He was happiest on a beautiful beach.

Butch was an ordained deacon at Oakview Baptist Church in Euless and was a current member of First Baptist, Arlington. He was a devoted Christian husband and father and a good friend to many. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jonell Green, and his parents.

Survivors: His wife of 46 years, Carolyn Eddlemon; sons, Chad and Tim Eddlemon; brother, Paul Eddlemon of Walton, Ky.; and many cherished friends.

Wade Family Funeral Home
Arlington, 817-274-9233