Kenneth Bufton

Kenneth E. Bufton, 87, of Ponca City, Oklahoma died at 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at his home.

Kenneth was born July 12, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan to his immigrant parents, Arthur Asa and Anne Christine Thornton Bufton. Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas. While on a pass, Kenneth and a friend went to Wichita and wandered into a penny arcade where he saw Jackie Rae Foster. Jackie, who was from Ponca City and a descendant of George Washington Davis, Sr., was living with her mother and sister while her mother received medical treatment. The 20year old soldier fell in love with the 16 year old redhead. Within two weeks of his return from a 2 year tour of duty as a Medic in Europe during World War II, Kenneth married the love of his life, Jacqueline Rae Foster, on April 6, 1946 in Winfield, Kansas, a union that lasted 57 years. As the Korean War loomed on the horizon, Kenneth reenlisted in the U. S. Army and again served his country as a Medic. Kenneth worked for the Ponca City Water Department for many years and retired in 1988 as Supervisor.

Kenneth was a fair man who believed in an honest days work. He was an American who served in two wars and proudly flew his countrys flag daily on the flag pole in his front yard. He was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW, where he had served as Post Commander. In his younger days he was an excellent bowler. Kenneth was a woodsman who loved to go camping and water skiing with his family. Kenneths family was his top priority. For the last 35 years he cut and sold firewood with his son. He has often traveled hundreds of miles to care for infant grandchildren when their mothers were called away from home on business. And, he never failed to support his grandkids whether on the playing field or in the daily struggles of life. Kenneth was a role model and father figure to many and Grandpa to all in Ponca City.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jacqueline on January 28, 2003 and one brother, Jerry Bufton.

Survivors include his daughter and her husband, Karen Bufton and Harry Sivess of Dallas, TX one son, and his wife, Dan and Jackie Bufton of Ponca City one brother and his wife, Alyn and Kathleen Bufton of Florida one sister, Beverly Toolson of Camas, WA five grandchildren, Gayle Elleven of Ft. Worth, TX, Kenneth Bufton of Round Rock, TX, Angelia Hudkins of Pleasant Hill, MO, Bryant Sivess and Benjamin Sivess both of Dallas, TX three greatgrandchildren, Aubrey Hudkins and Blake Hudkins both of Pleasant Hill, MO and Liam Sivess of Dallas, TX.

The family will receive friends at Grace Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 9:00 .m. at Northeast Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Larry Nigh officiating. Burial will follow in Longwood Cemetery east of Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Home For Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.