Thomas Ralph Buller

Thomas Ralph Buller, born October 7, 1942 in Goessel, Kansas, passed away on September 22, 2024, in North Kansas City. Tom's Memorial Gathering will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Park Lawn Northland Chapel 1640 N State Route 291 Highway, Liberty, Missouri 64068.  The following afternoon, a Graveside Service will be held on 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the Bergthal Mennonite Cemetery, 1208 SW 20 Road, Pawnee Rock, Kansas 67567, all are welcome to attend.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Tom led a life characterized by hard work and family values. He had a strong faith and was a believer in Jesus Christ. Tom was the second of ten children in a hectic household that taught him the values of hard work and dedication to family. He grew up on a wheat farm outside of Larned, Kansas where he helped milk cows, plant and harvest crops, and was involved in 4H where he won blue ribbons for raising pigs. Tom graduated from Larned High School in Kansas before earning his Bachelor’s degree from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. For 36 years, he worked at the Missouri Highway Department as a senior highway designer, where his meticulous and analytic mind left a lasting impression on Missouri roads and bridges. Though he achieved much in his professional life, it was the simplicity of family that truly defined Tom. He cherished the warmth of  Thanksgivings and Christmases spent with loved ones, in lively conversations, laughter, and the wonderful smell of home-cooked meals. Throughout his life, he was known as a humble and hard-working individual, possessing a shy demeanor yet a profound love for his family.

Thomas met the love of his life, Jeanette Fry, in 1966 and they were married September 12, 1971. Their song was “The Twelfth of Never.” The couple had four children: Tanya, Andy, Kevin, and Debbie. Tom's affinity for family bonding was evident in the shared experiences that became treasured memories. His daughter, Tanya, fondly recalls their excursions to the hardware store, and when she was little, helping him in the garage. In later years, she also loved all the time she and her dad spent together on her farm. Andy and Kevin remember him helping them run a summer lawn mowing business, and taking them to the store to buy video games, model planes, and rockets. Tom also helped them fix their vehicles. Debbie similarly remembers going to the recycling center and shopping on Saturday morning and enjoying the sweetness of sharing soda pop and Reese's. They also recall the sweet moments of him reading story books to them in the evening and enjoying Dad’s homemade ice cream.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Buller; his children Tanya Buller-Altis, Andrew (Stephanie) Buller, Kevin (Christi) Buller and Debbie (Josh) Park. He took immense pride in his eight grandchildren: Tara Leytham (Nick), Taylor, Paul, Truman, Leah, Jessa, Evelyn, and Ethan. He is also survived by his siblings Joel Buller, Norma (Eddie) McGinnes, Stan (Judy) Buller, Dan (Kathy) Buller, Karen (Ralph) Simonsen, Gordon Buller, and Tim (Pam) Buller; his sister-in-law, Delores Buller; his loving and devoted dog Mardi; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Cleo Buller, and his brothers Delbert and William Buller. His legacy of hard work, love for family, and humble spirit will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.