Buford (Gene) Eugene Neldon, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, surrounded by family at his son’s home in Wyoming, Michigan. He was born on January 7, 1939, in Crabtree, Arkansas.

Buford spent his younger years in Arkansas, where he learned the value of hard work early in life, picking cotton, farming, and working in the rice fields as a boy. For fun after a hard day's work, his brothers and him would go to the river and shoot snakes. Buford had two brothers, Carson (Junior) and Winford (Doyle), and a sister, Shirley. Later in life, he moved west before eventually settling in Michigan where he raised his family and retired from work. After retirement, he moved to Huntington, WV where he shared 16 loving years with his girlfriend, Gloria Ellis. Before his passing, he returned to Michigan to be near family.

Buford was a man who worked hard his entire life and could fix just about anything put in front of him. He was especially skilled in small engine repair, working on lawn mowers and lawn equipment, and he was highly knowledgeable about automobiles, often rebuilding and repairing vehicles from the ground up. If something was broken, chances were Buford could figure out how to make it work again.

Outside of work, Buford loved gardening and took pride in growing massive gardens everywhere he lived. He canned much of what he grew and generously shared it with others who needed it more than he did. He also loved taking care of his yard. The grass never had a chance to get long. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone else. He found joy in numerous things in life. Western shows and movies, pork rinds, fast cars, blue grass music, and tools to name just a few things.

To his family and friends, he was “Google before Google was cool.” There wasn’t much he didn’t know, and if he didn’t know it, he would figure it out. His wisdom, work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help others will be remembered by everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Carson and Bonnie Neldon, Sister Shirley Neldon (Pena), Brothers Carson (Junior) Neldon, Winford (Doyle) Neldon, and his daughter, Cecilia Neldon. He is survived by his children, Bill and Tiffany Neldon, Brian and Leticia Neldon, Barb and Al Sharpe. Along with all his grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends who will deeply miss him.

Buford’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the lessons he taught, and the countless people he helped throughout his life.

“Cheers to life”- Buford Neldon