Tommy Ray Buxton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of the Lord, was born on April 24, 1937, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Delmer and Lorene (Woods) Buxton. He was called home to be with his Savior on May 23rd, 2026, after a life richly lived in faith, love, and devotion.

Tom spent his early years in Arkansas before moving to Fairfax, Oklahoma, where he was raised. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1955, where he participated in football and track, excelling in the pole vault. Known for his charm and joyful spirit, Tom embraced life with enthusiasm from an early age.

He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University before beginning his career at Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. It was in Wichita that God brought Shirley Aylett into his life. Introduced through mutual friends, their love was immediate and steadfast. They were united in marriage on March 15, 1958, in Newkirk, Oklahoma—beginning a beautiful covenant that would span 66 years.

In 1959, Tom joined the Air National Guard and was stationed in Denver, Colorado. During these early years of marriage, they welcomed their son, Steven Ray Buxton, on September 8, 1961. After his service, Tom worked for Nationwide Finance Company, which took their family to Moab, Utah, and later back to Denver.

Trusting in God’s leading and with a desire to be closer to family, Tom and Shirley moved to Woodward, Oklahoma, in 1965. There, Tom began working for the Credit Bureau, eventually purchasing the business and faithfully stewarding it for more than 30 years. That same year, they purchased their family home, where 50 years of love, laughter, prayer, and memories were made.

In 1969, Tom and Shirley completed their family through the adoption of their daughter, Kathy Ann, age 5, a blessing they cherished deeply.

Tom was a man of unwavering faith and commitment to Christ. As an active member of First Baptist Church in Woodward, he served faithfully as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leader of a men’s prison ministry, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those in need of redemption and grace. In 1997, he went on a trip to the Holy Land, strengthening his own faith while encouraging others in their walk with the Lord.

In his later years, Tom worshiped at Riverlawn Christian Church, where he continued to grow in faith and fellowship. He deeply appreciated the teaching of God’s word and remained steadfast in his belief, always pointing others toward Christ, even while lightheartedly remarking about the volume of the worship music.

Tom found joy in the many blessings God placed in his life. He was an avid tennis player and golfer, stewarding his talents with passion and discipline. His annual golf trips with close friends were treasured times of fellowship and fun. Even at the age of 85, he continued to enjoy the game, playing his final round on August 22, 2022. In retirement, he became an avid reader, drawn to books that reflected his curiosity and faith.

Above all, Tom was a devoted husband who lived out the biblical call to love sacrificially. He lovingly cared for Shirley during her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, embodying Christlike compassion and faithfulness. In 2019, he was honored as Caregiver of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association, a reflection of the servant heart he carried. Through every hardship, he exemplified the promise of “through sickness and in health.” After 66 years of faithful marriage, Shirley passed away in December, 2024. No doubt, their reunion in heaven was one of great joy.

Tom’s love for his family was rooted in his faith. He poured encouragement and support into his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, faithfully attending concerts, recitals, games, and many milestones. He understood that family was a gift from God and cherished every moment.

Tom is survived by his sister, Betty (Richard) Hayworth; his daughter, Kathy (Scott) Douglas; his daughter-in-law, Shawna (Rex) Day; his grandchildren, Jesse Mays, Cassy (Joe) Dixon, Casey (Jimmy) Criswell, Jerred (Taylor) Douglas, Whitney Buxton, and Damon Buxton; and 11 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Grady, and Lennon Criswell; Noah Mays; MaKenna Timmons; Rylee, Conway, and Barrett Douglas; Sara and Madison Dixon; and Orien Buxton. He is also lovingly remembered by extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven “Steve” Buxton; his parents, Delmer and Lorene Buxton; and his sisters, Margie Milhausen and Jeannie Massey.

Tom’s life was a testimony of God’s grace, faithfulness, and love. He ran his race with endurance, kept the faith, and now rests in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His legacy of faith will continue to shine through the generations he so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral services will be held at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, with burial to follow at Kechi Township Cemetery, 6523 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left at www.bakerfhvc.com