“Out of love and safety for the health of our family and friends, the Stephen Buss family will save our visitation, hugs, and personal greetings for you when a Celebration of Life is held in the future. Thank you for your prayers.” A private immediate family service for Stephen Earl Buss, age 56 of Hunter will be Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Don Johnson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Stephen was born June 19, 1963 in Enid to Earl O. and Phyllis A. (Collier) Buss and passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at his home that he shares with his wife, Donna (Willowby), and son, Cody. He started school as a Hunter Bulldog and graduated high school as a Pond Creek-Hunter Panther in 1981. While in school, he was very active with many school activities, including band, football and his passion for FFA. He won State Star Farmer and the American Farmer Awards. He also participated in rodeos and later team pinning with his buddies. Steve graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.
He farmed alongside his father and grandfather for many years. The family business was heavily involved in breeding Gelbvieh cattle where he was nominated as the first Jr President of the Gelbvieh Association. He met his first wife, Hiedi Thomas, at a livestock show and they married in 1983. They had 2 children, Audrey Nicole and Caitlin Michelle, the absolute loves of his life. He later married, Donna in 2006 and lived on the family farm. He worked for Farmers Grain in Pond Creek as a spray rig applicator since 2006. He was a member of the Hunter Christian Church and also has served as the Mayor of Hunter. Because of his passion for showing livestock, he enjoyed being a member of the Young Farmers of Pond Creek. He also took great pride in helping his kids and grandkids raise and show their own animals. He was also quick to help anyone in the barn.
Many of his friends and family knew him as Papa Steve. All who knew him would agree he was a happy soul. He took great comfort in his relationship with God and passed that on to his children.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, daughters; Audrey McDaniel (Buck) and their daughter, Georgia of Lahoma, Caitlin Merriott (Bryan) and their two children, Hadlee and Brody of Pond Creek, son, Cody Buss, sister, Sherri Hooker (Chris) of Enid and numerous family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Condolences may be made online at www.ladusauevans.com
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In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to the Young Farmers of Pond Creek with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.