Scott Buller

Hardworking and headstrong, Scott Buller truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of independence, no matter the circumstances, and he faced every obstacle that came his way with determination and grit. His love for nature was evident, and the joy he found in the simple beauties of life was contagious. There was no one quite like Scott, and he will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The early 1960s are remembered as some of the most exciting years to be an American. The young JFK had been elected president in 1960, and the historic civil rights movement was underway. The pop culture world was booming, seeing the surging popularity of iconic musical artists including The Beatles and The Beach Boys while popular TV shows such as The Andy Griffith Show dominated the entertainment scene. During this influential time, a young couple living in Newton, Kansas, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new baby. Delbert Buller and Karen (Hunter) Buller welcomed their son, Scott, into the world on July 17, 1962.

Growing up in his small, midwestern hometown of Newton, Scott was a typical boy of his generation. Scott was raised in the family home alongside his two sisters, Marcy and Judy and his brother James. Scott mowed lawns with his mom for years. They had their customers and always made sure the grass was cut when it needed to be without fail. Scott also reminisced about a newspaper route that he maintained for years. Scott also spent time riding his bike in HOBO jungle, (lots of bike trails) which wasn't far from his home. He attended Washington Grade School, Sunset, Santa Fe Middle School and Newton High School.

He worked at Pizza Inn during his school years and Breaker Drive-In. He played baseball and football, loved to go camping, fishing and swimming at East Lake outside of his hometown of Newton. Later he also enjoyed spoonbill fishing with his brother-in-law Monte. He was also quite a water skier.

He was a wild child with a rebellious streak, often getting into more than his share of mischief. Following in his dad's footsteps, he loved working on cars and loved his shiny blue Cutlass Supreme. Marcy once took it for a late-night drive with friends. She was afraid to come home when he found out she had it, but he took it all in stride and told her simply “not to do it again.”

A new chapter in Scott’s life was about to unfold when he married and began his family. His children, Wayne and Wendy, were a welcome addition to his life. In order to provide for his young family, Scott worked as a mechanic and machinist for several companies, eventually leading him to Texas where he worked for and retired from Leer Corporation. While at Leer, many considered him a jerky connoisseur. Although he would often bring in jerky to share with his coworkers, Scott refused to reveal his secret recipe. He only shared it with his friend Tonya in January so she could carry on the jerky making legacy.

All who knew Scott would certainly agree that he was a free spirit with a thirst for chasing adventure. He enjoyed whipping around on his beloved Harley for most of his adult life. Scott even saved all of his Harley poker chips. While battling cancer, he moved to Vicksburg, Michigan to be closer to his son, Wayne. Despite hating the cold and being a Texan at heart, Scott had a deep admiration for the beauty of Michigan. He loved that he was able to be close to his family there, and he trusted Wayne and his wife, Chandra, to help him navigate the ups and downs of his health.

Scott poured his time and energy into his passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting and all kinds of fishing. He was able to fish in Lake Michigan and quickly scouted out a local fishing spot not far from his new home. Scott posted trail cameras all over the woods and enjoyed watching the deer on the cameras and would even cut trails for them with the four-wheeler. He was convinced that every animal, not a deer, on the camera was a fox. Scott also brought his two cat companions with him from Texas, Babygirl and Squeaks. They brought him endless companionship and joy. Even though his health declined, Scott wasn’t ready to slow down. Since he rarely listened to the doctor’s advice, Wayne would jokingly call him Dr. Scott!

Scott loved playing darts. He had some success while in Texas with statewide tournaments and it was a passion he passed down to his own son and grandchild, JJ. JJ would even go on to get his professional tour card. Scott, who couldn’t travel to the tournament because of his health, anxiously followed the tournament online, cheering him on with pride. Scott was a lifelong fan of the Cowboys. Though after moving to Michigan, his frustrations with the Cowboys made him shift his loyalty to the Lions, only to be disappointed with his first season as a Lions fan- making him a true member of The Pride!

With a journey that spanned times of laughter and grief, plenty and want, Scott Buller faced it all with steadfast endurance, unwavering strength, and his signature independent attitude. Scott was an avid reader of the Bible, was very spiritual and had a special, personal relationship with God. Scott leaves behind a priceless collection of memories.

Scott Buller age 63, died on March 18, 2026. Scott was born July 17, 1962, in Newton, Kansas to Delbert Buller and Karen (Hunter) Buller. Scott was preceded in death by his father. Survived by his mother, Karen (Darrell) Dennett; children: Wayne (Chandra) Buller and Wendy Phillips; siblings: Marcy (Monte) Lagree and Judy (Ed) DeWitt, and James Buller; grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, Kansas. Celebrate Scott’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.