Gary Buffington

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Clifford "Gary" Buffington, age 85, of Lamar, Missouri passed away December 10, 2023 at his home.

Gary was born January 14, 1938 in Nevada, Iowa to Clifford and Ann (O'Donnell) Buffington. Gary grew up in Colo, Iowa and attended school there. He was a crop and cattle farmer and inherited his love of horses and horse pulls from his father. Gary moved his family to Lamar in 1976. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary's Catholic Church. On November 23, 1996, Gary married Carol Ann Schorzman in Joplin, Missouri.

Gary was a straightforward man who told the truth, not to make you mad, but because you needed to hear it. He wasn't a stranger to hard work and made an honest living with great impacts on those that knew him. He was often lighthearted, even when he probably shouldn't be. Gary was a family man and loved his kids and grandkids in a very special and generous way. He enjoyed coaching and watching them grow in their love of sports. He was a friend and man you always wanted on your side. He cheered for the underdog, gave a firm handshake, and absolutely made his community better. Over the years, his work with horses led him to work with Amish Communities all over the country. The best advice he shared just last week to one of his grandchildren was to "take the trip and enjoy the kids because they grow up quick."

Survivors include four daughters, LuAnn (Rob) Zumwalt of Grove, Oklahoma, Patty Fraley of Shawnee, Kansas, Sandra (Pete) Oliver of Coral Springs, Florida and Renee Maceli of Miami, Florida; three sons, Dean (Jeannie) Buffington of Chinook, Montana, Ryan (Leah) Godfrey of Leavenworth, Kansas and Jeffrey (Ashley) Godfrey of Republic, Missouri; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-children; two brothers, Virg Buffington of Ames, Iowa and Tub Buffington of Colo, Iowa.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Darwin Buffington, Mike Buffington; one sister, Karol Buffington; one sister-in-law, Jolene Buffington and his father-in-law, Clarence Schorzman.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 15, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar, MO., with burial to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Rosary will begin at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Daniel Funeral Home, with visitation to be held from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., immediately following.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to St. Mary's Catholic Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com