Cecil Buffalo Sr.

August 31, 1935 -

July 10, 2014

Cecil Allen Buffalo, Sr., fondly called C.A., 78 years old, passed away at his home in Deer Park, Texas on Thursday, July 10th, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Cecil was born to William Taft Buffalo, Sr. and Lillie Mae Bond Buffalo of Marston, Texas on August 31, 1935 and was the third of twelve children. Cecil attended school at Goodrich High School in Livingston, Texas. He left school at age 17 to join the U.S. Navy in 1953. While in the Navy, he earned his GED and served proudly for 21 years active duty. Cecil's first tour of duty found him aboard the destroyer the U.S.S. Fechteler for four years (1953-1956) and was trained as a boilermaker. He then served on the U.S.S. Destroyer the Chevalier (1956-1960) in San Diego, California and on to the U.S.S. Epping Forest (1962-1965) in Sasebo, Japan. He was then assigned to the U.S.S. Richmond K. Turner (1965-1970) in San Diego, California where he was known as the "Oil King". Cecil spent the next 4 years recruiting for the Navy at the U.S. Navy Recruiting Station in Pasadena, Texas where he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1974. Using the skills he learned in the Navy, Cecil launched a new career in the maintenance department at Deer Park Independent School District and retired after 20 years of service. His co-workers dubbed him the "Best Damn Boiler Man" DPISD ever had. In retirement Cecil enjoyed fishing, golfing, wine making, gigging frogs, camping, dancing, gardening, catching crawdads, hunting, exploring Armand Bayou, attending sports events, and most of all, watching his grandkids participate in their extra-curricular events. He was also an enthusiastic walker and loved the outdoors. Cecil was a member of the Hole in One Club, VFW, Maxwell Center, Moose Lodge and the Sun Shiners of Deer Park where he enjoyed friends and activities there. Never a fair-weather fan, Cecil supported the Astros, Rockets, Oilers and Texans. Cecil is survived by three children; his daughter, Carol Sue Buffalo; sons, Cecil Allen Buffalo, Jr. and Hubert Taft Buffalo. He was PaPa to his grandchildren; Ryan Allen Buffalo; Johnnisue Nettles-Buffalo and Cody Charles Buffalo. Sisters Emma Catherine (Kay) Minskey of Crete, Illinois; Rose Marie Buffalo of Hollywood, California and Sally Paul Buffalo of Crete, Illinois. Brothers John Buffalo and wife Terry of Tennessee; Garland and Sharon Buffalo of Broaddus, Texas; Roger and Terry Buffalo of Hortense, Texas; and Lynn Buffalo of Blanchard, Texas. Also, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other family members. Cecil married Barbara Ann LeLeaux in June of 2006, and they spent 8 happy years together. Cecil was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Johnnie Sue Buffalo; parents William Taft Buffalo, Senior and Lillie Mae Buffalo; twin granddaughters, Hailee Deanne and Kailee Elise Buffalo; brothers William (Jabo) Taft Buffalo, Junior; James Buffalo, Glenn Buffalo and beloved sister Betty Ann Buffalo. Visitation was held at First Baptist Church-Deer Park, Texas, 320 East 8th Street on Monday, July 14th from 6-8pm. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 15th officiated by Brother Dale Smith.