Gregory Dean Buster

Gregory Dean Buster, 63, of Neodesha, KS, passed away on April 27, 2025, at Wilson Medical Center following a heroic battle with heart disease. Greg was born in Chanute, KS, on March 17, 1962. Son of Buddy Dean and Anita “Mack” Colleene Buster. He was a devoted husband to Paula Theresa (Willard) Buster. They married on September 28, 1984, in Thayer, KS. They were blessed with 40+ years together, always enjoying many adventures.

Greg retired from Youngs Welding in Chanute, KS after 36 years. He then opened “Buster’s BBQ, Home cooking, And Catering” in Neodesha. He and Paula then ran this business for 9 years. After opening the restaurant Greg enjoyed spending time with family and friends. What Greg loved most was cooking for people no matter who it was. Greg’s joy and satisfaction he felt in seeing others appreciate his cooking and the food he provided. Greg’s character, emphasizing his love for cooking or providing food, derives from the positive impact of his efforts on others. Greg also had many other small business adventures, including “Blue Sky Kennels”, a manager of “Lil’ Toledo and Truck Farming and Greenhouse” with his dad, Dean. Greg spent his younger years coyote, bird, and deer hunting. He also loved training bird dogs and horses. His second most enjoyment in life was to talk. He talked to others, known or unknown, local or not, it didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, he loved to share his stories and hear your stories.

Those who are left to cherish Greg’s memory are his wife Paula of the home, two beautiful daughters, Kristin Marie (Buster) Carrico and husband Ben of Thayer, KS and Tara Ann Buster of Neodesha, KS, three top notch grandchildren, Taten Engelman, Abigail and Emily Carrico, sisters Anita Ehmke and husband Tom, and Linda Norton, brother-in-law Randy Raida of Thayer, KS, sister-in-law Kate Webb and husband Raymond of Neodesha, KS, Jody Smith and Bub of Coffeyville, KS. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a big slough of friends that were like family.

Preceded in death by grandparents Don Buster, Marie (Greve) Buster, Lauren White, Velma “Dude” Irene Yates. Parents Dean and Mack Buster. Father-in-law and mother-in-law Jim and Clara Willard. Sister, Mitzi Raida and nephew Tim Ehmke, brother-in-law Chris Willard, nephews Brandon Smith and Scotty Smith both of Coffeyville, KS. 

Family will receive friends May 1, 2025, from 4pm to 8pm at Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha, KS. Services will be on Friday May 2, 2025, at Thayer Christian Church, at 10am. Burial will be immediately following at Thayer Cemetery. Suggested memorials to honor Greg’s memory may be made to Thayer Schools for Retractable American Flag Project or Neodesha USD 461, Welding Program.