BIRTH:               March 30, 1949 - Perry IA

DEATH:              January 1, 2007 - Des Moines IA

CHILDREN:       Joshua Buffam, Jackson MI
                           Jessica Zondervan, Des Moines IA
                          

GRADE SCHOOL:  
JUNIOR HIGH:        

Gary Lee Buffum, 57, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 1, 2007. His passing was unexpected and came shortly after he suffered a massive brain aneurysm Uniquely, Gary passed away on the same day, near the same time, two years apart from his late wife, Jackie Buffum. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2007 at Christian Life Assembly of God at the HWY 5 and Fleur intersection with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Gary was born March 30th, 1949 in Perry, IA to Raymond and Dorothy (Hall) Buffum. He later moved to Des Moines, IA where he met and married Jackie (Raszler) Buffum on March 12, 1977. The births of his beloved children followed: Joshua on June 29, 1979 and Jessica on February 8, 1981. Gary worked for Midwest Automatic Fire Sprinkler as a design engineer for thirty-four years. He served his country in the Army Reserves and retired from active reserve on October 21, 1993.

Gary was a loving and completely devoted husband and father, grandfather, friend, brother, and companion. He lived his life for the Lord and longed for the day he would be reunited with the love of his life, his late wife Jackie Buffum. He loved making people laugh and would do anything for a smile. His entire face lit up at the sight of his grandchildren and the sound of their voices. He loved his grandbabies dearly, and spoke of them with utmost joy. He was a delightful father, and will be sorely missed by those he blessed. Jesus took him home too soon for us, but heaven is brighter because he is there.

He was loved by all who knew him. Gary was a deacon and a board member at Christian Life Assembly of God. He faithfully served each Sunday as an usher and found fulfillment in the children's bus ministry. His greatest joy came each week as he knocked on doors and gathered children, so that they could have the opportunity to know the love of Jesus. Gary loved the bus ministry children and couldn't talk about them without crying. His legacy runs deep and his love for Jesus was present in everything he spoke of, lived for, and loved. There are not enough words to describe his servant's heart. His giving nature was unselfish and he never felt comfortable being acknowledged or praised for good deeds.

Gary leaves behind his loving son, Joshua Buffum of Jackson, MI; daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Randall Zondervan of Des Moines, IA; granddaughter, KayLeigh Amelia Buffum of Jackson, MI; and grandson, Braedin Lee Zondervan of Des Moines, IA. Also, his mother, Dorothy Buffum of Ankeny, IA; sister, Carolyn Buffum of Ankeny, IA; mother-in-law, Lorraine Raszler of Bismarck, ND; four sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Don Dandrea of Erie, PA; Sue and Richard Hunt of Bismarck, ND; Cindy Raszler of Bismarck, ND; Dan Raszler of Groves, TX; Jeff and Carlene Raszler of Bismarck, ND; and several nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond H. Buffum, and his wife, Jackie Buffum.

Visitation begins after 3 pm Wednesday at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6 to 9 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gary (TM)s memory to The Because Campaign Building Fund for Christian Life Assembly. 2200 Rittenhouse St. Des Moines, IA 50321

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES FUNERAL HOMES ~ WESTOVER CHAPEL