Charles E. Buford passed away on Feb. 27, 2021, at North Kansas City Hospital at age 82.

He was born on Nov. 21, 1938, in Kansas City to Theodore Buford and Genevieve Brown. He was the fifth of 10 siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Richard, Theodore, James and Albert Buford; and three sisters, Carol Bell, LaRose Buford and Cleo McCormick.

Charles E. Buford attended R.T. Coles school and graduated high school before moving to Sedalia. In 1958, he graduated from C.C. Hubbard High School.

He loved sports. He played football and basketball, and ran track. In 1963, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, where he played basketball with his good friend, Turner Brown. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

After returning home in 1965, Charles started working at the Lake City Ammunition Plant. He was a high explosive mixer. After 35 years of service, he retired in 2000.

Charles enjoyed fishing and hanging out with his lodge brothers. Charles belonged to the John W. Carter Lodge No. 180. He was a past Master. He loved doing the barbecues and pancake breakfasts, and ringing the bell at Christmastime to help with donations.

Charles Buford was a member of St. John’s CME Church. His pastor was Rev. Rance Williams. He was baptized by Dr. Rev. Faith Allen.

In 1993, Charles and Arlene married. They shared a lot of great times together with great memories.

Charles Buford is survived by his wife, Arlene Buford of Richmond; two sons, Randy Buford of Kansas City and Gary Agee of Dallas; two stepsons, Keith Bass II (Theresa) of Excelsior Springs and Tyler Cole (Sara Walker) of Grain Valley; brother, Michael Buford of Columbia; sister, Lotus Goodlow of Kansas City; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Thomas McCormick of Kansas City and Leon Allen Jr. (Diana) of Richmond; sister-in-law, Beverly Robinson of Independence; a close nephew, Marcus Buford, who was always there for his uncle at any time, day or night. He also had many beautiful nieces and nephews he loved so very much.

Charles did not get to spend a lot of time with his grandchildren, but he loved them very much. To Mia Cole, he thought he would be around to see her become a soccer star, but it did not work out that way. He will be smiling down on her from heaven. Keep doing well.

Charles has a host of family and loved ones. He has two close friends, Turner Brown and Lloyd Ingram (Butch).

He will miss his whole Masonic family and sisters, along with his cherished family. Family, stay close together, love one another, until I see you again.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 27, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services to follow at 11. Inurnment will be at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Charles with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.