H.R. "Butch" Thiele III, Huntsville, TX, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2022 at the age of 79. Butch was born August 5, 1942 in Yoakum, TX to Harry Richard Thiele, Jr., and Mary Virginia Sumners Thiele. Butch is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Lannou Thiele, devoted son, Steven Thiele and wife, Sarah, treasured granddaughters, Marin (16), Maya (13), and Tessa (10), and sister, Joyce Thiele Baker. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Richard Thiele, Jr., and Mary Virginia Sumners.

Butch graduated from Yoakum High School in 1960. He attended Sam Houston State Teachers College and became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1964, he graduated and sold insurance for a short time, even though his passions were teaching and coaching. His nearly 40 year coaching career took him to Hallettsville High School, Yoakum High School, Victoria Stroman High School, El Campo High School, then retiring at Pasadena Dobie High School after teaching and coaching the Longhorns for 18 years.

Coach Thiele considered his players his sons, and his students his kids. Many share of the impact his investment made on their lives. These "sons" experienced his fierce love and passion in his mission to mold boys into responsible men, while also undoubtedly experiencing his "tough love" side. Heck, they didn't call him S.O.B. (Sweet Ole Butch) for nothing! He taught his kids to value and take responsibility for their own education, and his love of Shakespeare and literature was contagious. There wasn't a day that went by that he didn't wake up wanting to go to work and pour into his kids. He commented numerous times after retirement, his one regret was that he spent more time with other people's kids than his own son, whom he loved dearly. He spent the good years he had left enjoying the company of his loving family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 2:00 pm.

Heritage Oak Funeral Home

1080 Interstate 45 South

Huntsville, TX 77340

936-291-8080

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Butch's honor to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston. https://www.bgcgh.org/Donors-And-Partners/Donate