Wesley Dale “Coach” Buller

Wesley Dale “Coach” Buller, 89, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, April 2, 2018. Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm Friday, April 6, 2018 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W, 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at West Side Presbyterian Church, 1024 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS with burial services at 2:00 pm Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, KS.

Wesley was born October 6, 1928 in Goessel, KS son of the late David D. and Lydia F. Buller. He was one of 9 children.

Wesley is survived by his loving wife Ruth Ann Buller of Lawrence, KS. Wesley married Ruth on May 29, 1981 in Lawrence, KS. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Arlene Buller, on June 13, 1971. Three children from his first union survive, Sandra White, Debra Munoz (Eddie), Gregory Buller (Kelly) all of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by stepdaughter Jennifer Harris (Terry). Stepson Jeffrey Miller preceded him in death on November 24, 2012, wife Janice survives. Other surviving family members include brothers Clarence Buller (Lawrence, KS) and Arlo Buller (Beaumont, TX), 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Siblings preceding him in death are brothers: Raymond, Harold and Lloyd; sisters: Hilda, Elizabeth and Pearl.

Wesley and his family moved to Peabody, KS in 1937, where he graduated from Peabody High School in 1947. After graduation, he went to Southwestern College in Winfield, KS on an athletic scholarship in football and track, lettering all four years in both sports. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. After college, Wesley joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Europe during the Occupation of Germany in the Korean War era. He was a Corporal in the Army and because he had teacher’s certificate, he became an instructor, teaching fellow servicemen to read and write. Wesley also ran track and field for the Army. He won gold and silver trophies in long distance running, including the steeple chase, which qualified him to participate in the International Sports Track meet in Brussels, Belgium. He was discharged from the Army in 1951. In 1952 he married first wife Joyce Lachenmaier.

Wesley was a teacher and football coach at Byers and Erie High Schools in Kansas. He received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Pittsburg State University in 1960. He left the high school ranks and became the head football and track coach at Bethel College in Newton, KS (1960-1964), Friends University in Wichita, KS (1965-1968), and Southwestern College (1968-1971), his alma mater. Wes was considered by many to be an offensive genius and was offered the Offensive Coordinator job at then Southwest Missouri State, but declined the position so he could focus on raising his 3 children after his wife’s passing. Wes left coaching and went into school administration after receiving his Administrative Certificate from Wichita State University in 1972. He became the Elementary-Middle School principal in Yates Center, KS (1972-1976), Junior High Principal and football coach in Oberlin, KS (1976-1979), and Onaga High School Principal (1979-1984). He retired as a counselor from the State of Kansas Industries for the Blind in Topeka, KS in 1990. Wes missed being around school kids, so after retiring from the State, he took a part time job driving a school bus in Lawrence. Wes was an avid Jayhawk fan. He enjoyed attending KU football practices, often times sitting with Coach Fambrough and became acquainted with the players who would address him by name.

Wesley was an active member at West Side Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. He was a volunteer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital as well as the Presbyterian Manor. He was also a member of the American Legion where he served in the honor guard at military funerals.

Memorials may be sent to West Side Presbyterian Church or Dorsey Liberty American Legion Post 14 in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

14 Condolences

  1. Connie and Dean Anderson on April 3, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    Dean and I send our love and prayers. You are in our hearts and thoughts Debbie. What a great obituary.



  2. Diana McCullough on April 3, 2018 at 5:52 pm

    Thinking of the family at this time of great loss and emotional suffering. The brief moment in time that your Dad was involved in my life, middle school, has had a lasting impact…integrity and honor. Prayers to all.



  3. Jill "Stephens" Schiltz on April 3, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    My family is sad to hear about the loss of this long time friend. My parents, Bill and Paula Stephens, send love and prayers to his family. Wes was dad’s high school football coach for 4 years in Erie, Kansas and they remained friends ever since. We are so sorry. Thank you to Debbie for letting me know so I could share the news.



  4. Darryl Buller on April 3, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    We pray for comfort for Ruthie, Sandy, Greg, Debbie, and brothers Clarence and Arlo. I’ll always remember my Uncle Wes.



  5. Beverly and Greg Escobar on April 3, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to deb and Sandy and their families. Greg and I both worked with them and Eddie at the post office for many years. May you all bfind peace that he is no longer suffering. Oh the memories you can share. Love you all. Will be out of town for services but our hearts are with you.



  6. Jay D. Atkin on April 3, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    All my love and prayers for you all. Coach will be missed but I know he is in Heaven watching over us all now. He will live on through all of us that he touched, taught, and coached during his life. His wisdom passing forward to future generations by his former students and athletes. He had a tremendous impact on my life and maturity and will never be forgotten. If there’s anything you all need that I can help with just call or text. Again, my love and prayers are with you all during this time of adjustment and celebration of his life.
    Bear hugs and my family’s condolences.



  7. Sheila Ward on April 4, 2018 at 12:18 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and the family. What a blessing and honor it has been to know Wes over the years. What an inspiration and testimony of love and devotion between Wes and Ruth- sharing 37 years of marriage. Wes loved the Kansas Jayhawks and some of my fondest memories are conversations wondering if the beloved Jayhawks could pull off a win. It is comforting to know Wes is now at peace and with our Lord and Saviour. I look forward to the day I will see Wes again in heaven.



  8. Harry Simpson on April 4, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    Rest Wesley, until you hear at dawn,
    the low, clear reveille of God.

    Thank you for your service to this nation.



  9. Neill and Linda Wheeler on April 4, 2018 at 8:48 pm

    Coach Buller was the Head Football Coach at Friends University for four seasons. It was my pleasure to play for Coach Buller those four years. We ended the 1968 season with a 7 win and 3 losses record. Best record Friends University had achieved in football. Coach Buller built the foundation that football at Friends University has been built upon. Coach Buller was so good at treating our girl friends and wives as a part of the team and looked out for them always. He had an impact on my life and my wife, Linda’s life. Coach was a very happy and funny coach, but he expected our best effort, which we gave to him because we loved him and respected him. Memories from four years of playing for Coach Buller fill our lives. He was a great man, a great coach and a great person. Rest in peace Coach Buller. It was my honor to call you Coach. Neill
    It was also my honor to call him Coach. He was always so caring and would take the time to listen to the wives and girlfriends. He treated us as we were just as important as his team. I got very ill Neill’s Sr year and had to have surgery, we didn’t have a Dr so I asked him what to do and he said go see the Football Dr and go from there. Not many Coaches take the time to be personal with all of the players and families, but Coach did. He was and always will be special in my life. My life has been enriched by having him a part of it. God Bless You Coach. Prayers and thoughts are with Ruth and his family. Linda



  10. Kim, Bill, Will & Gracie on April 5, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    Greg & Kelly – we are sorry for your loss. Loved hearing all the stories of your dad. May he be at peace now. May memories comfort you at this time of loss.



  11. Rick Shireman on April 5, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    My parents, Jack and Marilyn Shireman, were great friends of Wes and Joyce Buller when Dad and Wes were teachers in Erie. Sandy and I were in kindergarten and first grade together, and Mom and Dad stayed in touch with Wes after Joyce’s death and Wes’ s marriage to Ruth. I know my parents had many happy memories of the Buller family through the years and I am sending thoughts and prayers to all of you on the loss of Wes.
    Rick Shireman



  12. Vanessa Munoz on April 7, 2018 at 12:04 am

    Prayers and lots of love sent to the family…



  13. Randy and Barb Dolifka on April 8, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    I wanted to let the Buller family know that our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of need, and always. Your husband, father, and father-in-law will be missed greatly. I enjoyed our tailgating, lunches, football scrimmages, and KU relays we attended together. He always seen the bright side to everything and was teaching us about life and love even when he didn’t know it. I am not ashamed to say I loved that man with all my heart.



  14. Erie Class of 1960 Sent by Sharon McBride on April 16, 2018 at 9:20 am

    The Erie High School Class of 1960 wants the family to know how much our class respected and admired Mr. Buller. He was able to come to our 50th class reunion in Erie. He so enjoyed seeing and visiting with his former football players and students. His eyes and smile were bright that day as he greeted and visited with his ‘old’ Erie Red Devils students. Thanks to his girls that arranged the trip and we really appreciated your dedication to bring him.



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