Buford Grant Thompson Sr.

Mr. Buford Grant Thompson, Sr. was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on July 15, 1928, the third of four children of Rufus Thompson and Lucille Robertson Thompson. He spent his youth at 921 Bellevue with his brothers Cecil and Marion, and his sister, Mary Mable. He received his formal education in St. Joseph, attending Lincoln Elementary School and graduating from Bartlett High School in l946. In July 1946 Buford married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Louise Strawn. Buford and Ruth were blessed with six children, Ginger, Linda, Debra, Ruth, Buford Jr., and Laurie. One of Buford’s notable characteristics was his hard-working nature. After graduating high school he secured a job with Armour Meat Processing Company. Work at the packing plant to his involvement with the meat cutters union. His work was recognized by the national office and in l963 he accepted the position of international representative with the Amalgamated Meat-Cutters and Butcher Workmen of America (AFL-CIO). His effectiveness there was recognized at the federal level, and in l975 he began work as a Commissioner with the United States Department of Federal Mediation and Conciliation. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1996. Buford then began another career in real estate and property management, and was actively involved in many civic, charitable and church organizations. Buford developed and maintained numerous lifelong friendships. He was a mentor, father figure, brother, and friend to many. His strong faith in Jesus Christ was the basis for his commitment to his family, friends, community and profession. This irreplaceable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, godfather, co-worker, citizen, and beloved friend will truly be missed by all who knew him. Buford Thompson completed his earthly journey and entered into eternal peace Friday, October 14th, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two daughters and one grandson. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Ruth L. (Strawn) Thompson; three daughters, Linda (Joe) Page of Champaign, Illinois, Ruth Long, Lenexa Kansas and Laurie Glass , Kansas City, Missouri; and one son, Buford Jr (Belinda) of Vallejo, California.; Grandchildren Michael Pitchlyn, Kim (Malik) Nevels, Jared (Natika) Rowles, Courtney (Anthony) Williams, Jeremy (Rimiko) Rowles, Thomas Long, Jonathan Long; brother, Marion Thompson, sister, Mary Mable Crouch; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services for Buford Thompson will be Friday, October 21, 2011 at St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 10:00 with the service to follow at 11:00. Burial will Noon on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Ashland Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.