Obituary for Gary Buford
Gary Lynn Buford, age 73, of Jefferson City, MO. passed away, Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 29, 1949 in Fayette, MO., to Claude and Edith (Krauss) Buford. Gary was married on April 04, 1980 to Pamela Lantis in Jefferson City, MO. Together they raised two children, Rick and Candace Buford. He later remarried on January 6, 2006 to Betty Hudspeth in Jefferson City, MO. Betty preceded him in death on February 14, 2015.
Gary was a 1967 graduate of Boonville High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served during the Vietnam War for 10 years. Gary was a true patriot and fiercely supported the United States Military.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Gary worked in security at Lincoln University and also worked part time as a Deputy Sheriff with the Cole County Sheriff’s Department. He then accepted a position as the Director of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter where he dedicated 24 years prior to his retirement.
Gary was an avid Chief’s fan as well as a fisherman and gun collector. He enjoyed playing cards, singing karaoke, and watching musicals, especially West Side Story, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera. He was a man of faith and was very strong in his convictions.
Above all, Gary was the foundation of his family; was always there to support his children or help someone in need. Gary’s role in his family was that of a lighthouse, able to withstand any storm and be their guiding light and beacon of hope.
Survivors include: his son, Rick Buford (Teisha) of Friendswood, TX.; his daughter, Candace Buford of Holts Summit, MO.; four grandchildren, Hayden, Zach (wife, Brandi), Kiera, and Delia; one great grandchild, Raine; and one sister, Juanita Knuth (husband, Richard) of Pace Fla..
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 10 years, Betty (Hudspeth) Buford; both of his parents; three sisters; and one brother.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
Gary will be laid to rest at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood following a private committal service with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd. Suite 7A, Box 334, Columbia, MO. 65203.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
He was born on June 29, 1949 in Fayette, MO., to Claude and Edith (Krauss) Buford. Gary was married on April 04, 1980 to Pamela Lantis in Jefferson City, MO. Together they raised two children, Rick and Candace Buford. He later remarried on January 6, 2006 to Betty Hudspeth in Jefferson City, MO. Betty preceded him in death on February 14, 2015.
Gary was a 1967 graduate of Boonville High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served during the Vietnam War for 10 years. Gary was a true patriot and fiercely supported the United States Military.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Gary worked in security at Lincoln University and also worked part time as a Deputy Sheriff with the Cole County Sheriff’s Department. He then accepted a position as the Director of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter where he dedicated 24 years prior to his retirement.
Gary was an avid Chief’s fan as well as a fisherman and gun collector. He enjoyed playing cards, singing karaoke, and watching musicals, especially West Side Story, Les Misérables, and Phantom of the Opera. He was a man of faith and was very strong in his convictions.
Above all, Gary was the foundation of his family; was always there to support his children or help someone in need. Gary’s role in his family was that of a lighthouse, able to withstand any storm and be their guiding light and beacon of hope.
Survivors include: his son, Rick Buford (Teisha) of Friendswood, TX.; his daughter, Candace Buford of Holts Summit, MO.; four grandchildren, Hayden, Zach (wife, Brandi), Kiera, and Delia; one great grandchild, Raine; and one sister, Juanita Knuth (husband, Richard) of Pace Fla..
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 10 years, Betty (Hudspeth) Buford; both of his parents; three sisters; and one brother.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
Gary will be laid to rest at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood following a private committal service with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd. Suite 7A, Box 334, Columbia, MO. 65203.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.