Colonel Kenneth Ray Buster

Colonel Kenneth Ray Buster, age 83, of Heber Springs, Arkansas passed away April 23, 2023. He was born in Lamoine, California on September 22, 1939, to the late William "Bill" and Velma Buster, influenced by a special stepfather Glen McInturff.
Ken was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a member of Clearview Baptist Church.
Ken started his long career at the age of 15 and continued to serve for over 40 years. He retired in 1995 at age 56 as a Commander of the Marksmanship Training Unit at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He had a long list of accomplishments. He served in the Navy, Navy Reserves. Marines, Army Reserves, and has been a member of the Army National Guard in seven states. He received a direct commission to Captain in 1974, was promoted to Major in 1982, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1986, and promoted to Colonel in 1990. Those in the shooting world recognize Ken as one of the top shooters in the country. He was the first National Guardsman to become a triple distinguished shooter in rifle, pistol and international. Ken was a ballistics expert in several trials across the country. He was also a founding member of the Cleburne County Shooting Range.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his children Terry Buster and Teresa Harter, granddaughter Tera Harter, and grandson Shannon Sparks, brothers Billy Gene Buster, Charles Buster, Bill Buster and Bobby Buster.
He is survived by his wife Jo Buster, children Gary (Kim) Buster, Jacquie (Rick) Cossey, and Chrysta (Ricky) Phillips, 8 grandchildren Marisa Buster, Kenny (Nicole) Buster, Nathan Harter, Kaleb Cossey, Dani Cossey, Hadan (Breanna) Phillips, Cheney Phillips, and Jynna Phillips. 2 great grandchildren Dominic Harrell and Ryder Phillips. He is also survived by many more dear friends and family.
We are very thankful for the great care given to Ken by Hospice Home Care during his battle with Parkinson's Disease.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ken's memory to Clearview Baptist Church in Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Services will be at Clearview Baptist Church on May 6th, 2023, at 1:00pm with Pastor Bill Norton officiating.