Buford Butler was born January 19, 1926 in Aberdeen, Mississippi to the late Joel Butler and Virginia Crump-Butler. He was the 9th of 12 children all of whom proceeded him in death along with his son; David Butler, and his two grandsons; Terence Bailey Jr. and Damon Butler.

Buford attended George Washington Carver School in Mississippi and enlisted in the military in 1945. While in the military he served as a truck driver and helped load ships. His career in the military afforded him the opportunity to travel to England, Japan, the South Pacific and Manila Philippines. He even told the story of crossing over the equator by boat and the celebration that took place as a result. Buford was honorably discharged in 1947.

Upon returning home from the military, the Butler family along with his grandmother, Lou Crump moved to Kansas City, Kansas. It was here that Buford started his career as a Brick Mason. He was the first black foremen in the state of Kansas and first black union rep of Local 555; an all-black union at that time.

In June of 1951 Buford married Ms. Francis L. Stuckey and to that union six children were born. They were happily married until she was called home to be with the Lord on April 2nd 1999.

Along with his career, Buford began attending Mt. Zion Church Of God In Christ better known as 6th & Everett Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop T.L. Pleas. Out of the respect of his mother and with the blessing of his pastor Buford went on to join Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ. Later he attended Barker Temple Church of God in Christ, until 1986 when he was asked by Bishop E. Harris Moore to pastor Humphrey Temple Church of God In Christ in Liberty, Missouri. He retired from pastoring in December of 2019. Pastor Butler's spiritual journey consisted of him working with the Local, District, Jurisdictional, and National Sunday School Departments. He was the Saturday Clinician for Bishop Emmanuel Newton every 1st Saturday of the month and later became the Senior Administrative Assistant to Bishop Frank H. Douglas Jr.

On February 14, 2000, while attending the Home-going services of Bishop Richardson in Omaha, Nebraska; Pastor Butler met Missionary Gertrude Turner and they were married on September 23rd of that same year. This brought the addition of six children to the Butler family.

After a life well lived, Pastor Buford Butler was called home to glory on April 10, 2020.

Pastor Buford Butler leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of almost 20 years; District Missionary Gertrude Butler of the home; 8 sons, Allen (Rethea) Butler of Savanah, GA, Francis Lewis "Danny" (Anita) Butler of Kansas City, MO, Bishop Clarence C. (Ruby) Turner Jr., Wiley F. (Alicia) Turner, Doyle L. Tuner Sr. all of Omaha, NE, Larry G. Tuner, of Fairhope, AL , Levi Butler of Kansas City, MO and Anthony Turner of Chicago, IL/Thailand; 3 daughters, Rebecca (Bernard) Harland of Savanah, GA, Harriet Butler of Kansas City, MO and Stephanie Toney of Lenexa, KS; 34 grandchildren , numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; 3 God children Elder Andre Rucker, Elder Edwon Edwards and Reverend Judy Smith, A special nephew, Elder Dennis Butler, a special niece, Mary Washington, The Humphrey Temple Church Family, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

Due to COVID -19 services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2020, Private. Interment Longview Cemetery. Service conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.