Elmer was born in Union Bridge, Maryland on September 4, 1932. He graduated from Elmer Wolfe High School. He went on to serve in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and received the National Defense service medal. He had a career in the space industry with NASA.
Elmer was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid collector of coins and space memorabilia and enjoyed bowling.
He is preceded in death by his sons, E. Timothy and Neil A. Buffington; parents, Clarence E. and Hazel Buffington; sisters, Ruth Thomas and Ethel Stambaugh, and brother, John Buffington.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Stewart and her husband Shane; son, Thomas K. Buffington and his wife, Jenny; daughter, Mary A. Jalbert and her husband, Butch; sister, Doris Chrisman and her husband Dennis; 18 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Oaklawn Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to Geneva Blessings, 10200 Dragonfly Run, Mims, Florida 32755 or via Zelle at 407-401-6593
