Buddy’s journey brought him to the Pauls Valley State School in October 1975, where he completed his special education program at the Hilltop School on the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center Campus. On November 1, 1986, he transitioned to his home with the Garvin County Community Living Center (GCCLC). For nearly 40 years, Buddy was the heart of his male group home, building a beautiful life anchored in community, friendship, and unconditional kindness.

To know Buddy was to know a man who simply loved life and everyone in it. He possessed a rare gift for getting along with everyone he met. Buddy shared a special, genuine bond with the GCCLC staff. He loved nothing more than hanging out with them—not for any special treatment, but because he was clever enough to know exactly who was doing the cooking! Buddy had a surprising depth of knowledge about food and a famously robust appetite; he would happily eat almost anything put in front of him.

An adventurer at heart, Buddy loved to go anywhere and everywhere. He had a deep, lifelong passion for plants and nature, working at the local market for as long as the Oklahoma weather would allow. His love for the natural world extended to animals of all sizes. He spent many happy days working at the Lil’ Farm, where he took great pride in helping feed and care for the big animals, even if the local wildlife didn’t always match his enthusiasm.

Above all, Buddy was a man of pure happiness who wanted those around him to be just as joyful. He was always eager to lend a helping hand, no matter the task. If there was music playing, Buddy was at his happiest—clapping his hands, tapping his feet, and feeling the beat of any song that filled the room. His gentle spirit made him incredibly easy to love, and he leaves behind a legacy of pure, simple joy.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Wayne Lowrance; and his two stepbrothers, Mike Stanford and Jack Stanford. His memory will be cherished forever by his devoted sister, Donna Denise Stanford of Pauls Valley; his stepbrother, Kenny Russell of Tulsa; and his beloved roommates, Jeff, Gavin, Skyler, and Bradley. He also leaves behind a host of dear friends, co-workers, and the dedicated staff at GCCLC who became his extended family and loved him dearly.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2, in DeArman Funeral Chapel in Sulphur, officiated by Rev. Bruce Ford.