Lester Buenning

Rev. Lester ‘Les’ Allen Buenning , age 73 of Kingsland, Ga. passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 at Oceanside Health and Rehabilitation Center on Tybee Island, GA.
Rev. Buenning was born on November 1st, 1943 in Cherokee, Oklahoma. He was the son of the late Rev. Elmer Arvil and Helen Janette Thayer Buenning. Les grew up in several communities in the Midwest, graduating from high school in Parkston, South Dakota, and college in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During this time, he met his wife, Beverlee Olson, who was teaching at a local high school. They were married on March 26th, 1970 and their son, Brice was born the next year.  Les completed his formal education in 1973 at the North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Les served as pastor at Strasburg Baptist Church in Marion, Kansas, West Fargo Baptist Church in West Fargo, North Dakota, and at McClusky Baptist Church in McClusky, North Dakota. He enjoyed gardening, solving brainteasers, wood puzzles and sharing his woodworking talents, making and repairing furniture and cabinetry.  Hundreds of designs cut on a scroll saw have graced many a Christmas tree, wedding table, and living room walls over the years. Of his many wood projects, the greatest gratification was seeing his granddaughter, Olivia in her one of a kind cradle.  He had a great passion was gospel music and was a member of several gospel quartets, including The Calvary Four, where his rich tenor voice blended into four-part harmonies.  He was also known among friends and family for his thoughtful remembrances of holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, calling to wish them joy of the day.  His kindhearted presence will be missed in their lives.
Rev. Buenning is survived by his son, Brice and his wife, Tammy Buenning of Yokosuka, Japan; his sister, Laura S. Buenning Thayer and her husband, Patrick Royer of Knoxville, TN; his brother, Fred H. Buenning and his wife, Rosemary Doerner of Lakewood, CO; his brother-in-law, Phil Watson of Abilene, KS; his grandchildren, Michaela and her husband, Judah Hawthorne of Prescott Valley, AZ and Olivia Buenning of Yokosuka, Japan; and seven nieces.
Because he made a decision for Jesus, Les joins his parents, his beloved wife, Bev, his great granddaughter, Emerson Grace Hawthorne and his sister, Jane Watson in Heaven.
A celebration of Rev. Buenning’s life will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at Point Peter Baptist Church in St. Marys, GA with Pastor Doug Gibson officiating.
At the family’s request, please in lieu of flowers, donate to The Gideon’s International at https://www2.gideons.org.
November 1, 1943 – March 28, 2017