Donald R. Buis

Donald “Don” R. Buis, 88, of Eminence, passed peacefully from this life and was reunited with his beloved wife, Ruth and while surrounded by his loving family while in the care of Hendricks Regional Health Hospital on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was born on a farm in Belle Union on October 21, 1935 to the late Paul T. and Florence M. (Elmore) Buis. Born and raised in his beloved hometown of Belle Union, Don learned the value of hard work at a young age and was blessed with the ability to become an entrepreneur. Growing up on a farm, he did odd jobs for neighbors along with working on his father’s land. He proudly graduated from Belle Union High School with the class of 1953 and was a member of the basketball team. Set up on a blind date with a pretty young girl named Ruth, the pair fell hard and fast for each other and were united in marriage on June 11, 1954, spending just shy of 69 years together, before her passing last year. Don worked for his brother’s company, Lloyd Buis & Sons Feed & Grain for 8 years. In 1966 he founded his own business, Buis Trucking & Fertilizer, later selling the company in 1994, and deservingly retiring at 59 years old. In addition, he was a lifetime member of the Larrabee Masonic Lodge #131 in Stilesville. A hard worker throughout his life, he was a dedicated husband and father and continuously ensured they were well taken care of. Family vacations in the early years were long drives, but when the kids were raised, Don and Ruth traveled to various destinations including, Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and were blessed to attend the rededication of the Statue of Liberty. Upon retirement, Don’s favorite past time was mowing grass, and there was a lot of grass to mow! He loved to share fond memories of his grandchildren, along with their antics. His knowledge of Putnam County was immense, and he was a generous and loving family man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth J. (Martin) Buis; and siblings, Lloyd P. Buis, Robert T. Buis, and Virginia (Buis) Demaree. Don leaves behind his children, Sandy Cheek (Woody), Bruce Buis (Denetia), and Jean Everage (Doy), all of Eminence; grandchildren, Spring Cheek of Maine, Gabe Cheek (Christina) of Plainfield, Abby Velez (Javier) of Tennessee, Evan Buis (Ashley) of South Carolina, and Hannah Everage of Eminence; great grandchildren, Gregory Beasley, Gideon Murphy, Grayson Buis, and Penelope Cheek. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, and per Don’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Donald R. Buis

October 21, 1935 - April 30, 2024