John Boyd Buford

John Boyd Buford, 67, Ellington, Missouri, went gently into the night to be with the Lord at 3:45 A.M, Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Aurora Nursing Center in Aurora, Missouri.

He was born October 26, 1954, in Bellingham, Washington, to Thomas Pascal Buford and Maxine (Rexford) Buford.

While growing up in Ellington, John accepted the Lord and became a member of the First Baptist Church in Ellington, Missouri.

On June 21, 1975, he was joined in marriage to Lavada Baker in St. Joe, Arkansas. To this union one son, Adam Joshua Buford, was born.

After graduating high school, John joined the United States Air Force and worked on the flight line and loaded B52 Bombers. After four years of military service he returned home and entered the field of law enforcement where, for many years, he gave numerous hours to protecting and serving his county.

After leaving law enforcement he moved to Glenpool, Oklahoma. Here he served as a supervisor for Pense Brothers Drilling Company until his retirement. In his retirement years he moved back to Springfield, Missouri, to enjoy time with his son and grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Adam Buford (Nicole Jenkins) of Springfield, MO; one grandson, Eli Buford;  and one granddaughter, Claire Buford; sisters: Sandy Baker (Ellington, MO) and Linda Lloyd and husband, Randy Lloyd (Ellington, MO); brothers: Tom Buford (Branson, MO), Mike Buford (Springfield, MO), Bob Buford and wife, Pam (Ellington, MO), Rex Buford and wife, Joyce (Ellington, MO) and brother-in-law, Tom Knot (Jackson, MO).  John was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Pascal Buford and his mother, Maxine (Rexford) Buford; and one sister, Mary Knot.  He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and amazing friends.  He will be truly missed.

Visitation was held on Saturday, September 2, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri.  Burial was on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Osborne Cemetery, St. Joe, Arkansas.

Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri.