Henry was the third of six children born to Peter and Mary Jantzen Buller. Brothers Raymond, Edwin, John, Paul, and sister Rozella all preceded him to Heaven in addition to infant grandson Andrew James Buller. Henry attended Mennonite churches throughout his entire life and accepted Christ as Redeemer at age 16 in a revival meeting at Saron Mennonite Church of Orienta, Oklahoma. He was active in the church choir, men’s chorus and quartet at New Hopedale Mennonite in Meno.
June 14, 1942, Henry wed Clarabelle Eck of Meno, Oklahoma and were married 74 years. Their children are: James and Lyndel Buller of Yukon, Oklahoma, Vergil and Kay Esau of Wichita, Kansas, Donald and Rebecca Buller of Enid. Their grandchildren are: Greg and Latonya Esau of Silverthorne, Colorado, Tim and Suzanne Buller of Portland, Oregon, David and Sabrina Buller of Yukon, Colby and Julie Esau Stull of Wichita, David and Sarah Buller Rader of Enid. Their great-grandchildren include Kylie and Haley Buller of Yukon, Henry and Kate Stull of Wichita, Aerily Esau of Silverthorne, Colorado, Addison and Ryan Rader of Enid.
Henry worked in the Fairview area for farmers and ranchers until drafted into the Army in 1942. He was trained as an aircraft radio operator, serving stateside and flying cross-country in B-24 aircraft with Army Air Corps. After radar school he was assigned to the Air Transport Command flying numerous Search and Rescue missions in B-25s over the Himalayas out of India into China and Burma. Henry was chosen as the radio operator to ferry a C-47 back to the United States. The journey from Calcutta to Miami was eleven ten-hour days of flying. He was honorably discharged at the end of World War II, serving 3 ½ years.
Henry and Clarabelle began farming near Meno and raised registered Guernsey cattle. In 1956, he moved the family to Enid where he was employed by Gold Spot Dairy delivering dairy products, retiring in 1982.
Henry had a deep sense of adventure and marveled at the awesome wonder of God’s creation and expressed reverence for nature. He led his family on yearly camping and vacation adventures, was a determined fisherman, and enjoyed the thrill of the catch. He especially enjoyed the beauty and trout of Yellowstone Lake. Henry’s passion for travel with Clarabelle included all fifty states, Europe, Canada, the Holy Land, Mexico and South America.
Service was an important aspect of Henry’s life. He remained productive through his senior years, giving generously of time and energy making crafts, furniture and helped Clarabelle in making quilts for the Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sales. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, enjoyed singing and listening to music and was a life-long student of the Holy Scriptures. The legacy of faith in Jesus Christ has been passed to his children and grandchildren, for which his family is grateful.
A service to celebrate Henry’s life will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 6, 2017, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Sunday 4:00 to 5:30 PM, at the funeral home. Memorials in his honor have been established with Mennonite Central Committee and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Enid.
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