E. Buford Ward

Buford Ward, affectionately known as “The Buford Ward,” was born Eulin Buford Ward on
September 4, 1940, in the town of Kingston, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully on April 16,
2025, at 1:07 PM Mountain Time, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Buford’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. As the child of sharecroppers, he
grew up in a one-room cabin with a dirt floor, a testament to his resilience and determination. From
a young age, Buford exhibited an extraordinary work ethic, starting at the age of seven by picking
tomatoes. By the time he was ten, he was already milking cows with his father, managing to milk
seventeen cows before heading off to school. At thirteen, Buford’s industrious spirit led him to clear
a field of scrubs and stubs, earning him $100, which he then used to buy his first car, a Ford Model
A. By sixteen, he was driving a school bus for the county school, showcasing his sense of
responsibility and dedication.
Buford graduated from Berryville High School in 1959, and his journey into the workforce
began with a full-time job as a cutter in a garment factory. In 1961, he moved to Kansas City to work
for the Ford Motor Company assembly plant. It is in Kansas City where Buford met Rod Smith, a
used car dealer. This encounter marked the beginning of Buford’s successful career in auto sales. In
1964, Buford followed Rod Smith to Quincy, Illinois, where Rod opened a Chevy dealership, laying
the foundation for Buford’s future endeavors.
In 1969, Buford met Beverly Steffen, the love of his life. They married in that same year
marking the start of a beautiful journey on which Buford and Beverly would embark on together.
Buford continued to work in auto sales in Quincy, Illinois, before purchasing his first dealership in El
Dorado, Kansas, where he and his family relocated to in 1975. In 1981, he sold the dealership in El
Dorado and purchased the dealership he had previously worked at in Quincy, Illinois, from Rod
Smith. Buford and the Ward family relocated back to Quincy, Illinois, where he lived and worked
until his retirement in 2003. Over the years, Buford’s leadership skills created an amazing team of
cherished employees. His business standards and ethics have become the model for many to
follow.
Outside of work, Buford and his family enjoyed making memories with their “cluster” friends
and families. They also enjoyed boating at Lake of the Ozarks. Buford and Beverly traveled
extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Buford sold his Quincy Chevy dealership in
2003 and retired, ultimately moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. It was here that Buford made a valiant
effort to master golf.
Buford was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey John and Mary Melinda Ward, his
brother James Willard, his niece Jackie Ward Warnock, and sister Wilma “Jerry” Geraldine. He is
survived by his wife of 55yrs Beverly, and his children Melissa Ward, Ryan (Angelique) Ward, and
Melinda “Lindy” (Christopher) Schneider. Buford also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren
Shelby Ward, Mandilyn Ward, Hale Ward, Meagan Ward, Olivia Ward, and Cross Ward. Buford is
also survived by his great-grandchildren Collins and Ellie, nieces Kimberly (Brad) Barnes, Rogena
(Richard) Ward Steele, Edie Ward Chesshir, Dana (Chester) Ward Lewis, and several great nieces
and great nephews.
Buford Ward was a gentleman and a ‘gentle’ man. He will be remembered for his
unwavering dedication, hard work, and the love he had for his family, friends, and ‘Miller Lite’.
Buford’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
A private internment ceremony will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Quincy IL. A
celebration of life for friends and family will be held at Spring Lake Country Club from 5:00-
8:00 PM on Saturday, May 10th.
Donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 333 S. 36th St. Quincy IL. 62305,
Scottsdale Artist School, 3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ. 85251, or the Quincy Serenity Club,
901 South 8th Street, Quincy, IL. 62301. Also, any charity of ones choosing will be appreciated.