William Hayden Buford, 93, of Leawood, KS, passed away September 17, 2011. Bill was born on May 17, 1918 and was raised in Gorin, MO. Bill, with his family, moved to the Kansas City area in 1935. On May 17, 1938 he married Evelyn B. Wilkins. They began their home in Overland Park, KS and to this union three children were born. Early in life, Bill was employed by KCP&L. Later on he worked in sales, selling appliances, used cars, and managed a marine business in Kansas City. In the 1950s, he owned several Continental Oil Company service stations. In 1966, they relocated to Warsaw where Bill owned and operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store from 1966-1980. After retirement, he and Evelyn moved to Lincoln where Bill continued to be in sales, running a local appliance and antique store. In 2001, they moved to Belton to be closer to their children. Bill had a strong faith and accepted Christ at the age of 13. He served as a deacon in the First Baptist churches of Warsaw and Lincoln, MO. He was faithful to help start mission churches and served in this capacity—this was his passion. He was always involved with people and helped others significantly whether it was feeding them, giving them financial resources, or just caring for them. Bill was an avid reader and the best at solving crossword puzzles. He had beautiful vegetable gardens after retirement. His family remembers him fondly as one loving to take vacations, his generous gift giving, and enjoying food! He loved playing cards and pool with family and friends to the end. No matter where Bill lived, he never met a stranger—he was outgoing and loved people. All those who knew Bill have been blessed by his life. A special thank you goes out to those at Grace Gardens who cared for Bill so wonderfully during these last two years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Eilene Kraus Buford and William Cecil Buford, one brother, Charles Wellington Buford, and one sister,Virginia Lee Herter. He is survived by his wonderful wife of over 73 years, Evelyn B. Buford; three children, Ronald William Buford, Blue Springs, Allan Hayden and Mary Buford, Kansas City, and Judith Ann and John Campbell of Raymore; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Visitation will be begin at 10:00 a.m. with Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, at South Haven Baptist Church, 16800 Bel-Ray Blvd., Belton MO 64012. Graveside service will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to Grace Gardens, 5201 W. 143rd Street, Leawood, KS 66224 or South Haven Baptist Church, 16800 Bel-Ray Blvd., Belton, MO 64012. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.
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