William Lee Buus

William Lee Buus, 72, of Nixa, MO passed away at his home August 1, 2017. Bill was born on July 29, 1945 into the loving home of Bernard and Helen (Claassen) Buus, of Grundy Center, IA. He was raised and nurtured by his parents and sister Gloria, in a home full of love and security. He graduated from Grundy Center High School in 1964. He married Constance K. Miller on April 24, 1970, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. To this union, three children were born, Jennifer Kathryn, Matthew William, and Rebecca Sue. He was an amazing husband and father, and always nurtured and encouraged others along the way. Bill had several trades during his lifetime, including owning his own sporting goods store and being a professional trapper selling direct to Hudson's Bay Company. In 1986 as a "non-traditional student," he decided to go back to college, receiving a B.S. from the Ellsworth Community College. He then went on to the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 1991 with a teaching and coaching degree. He student taught in Aplington, IA, and coached boys and girls sports, ultimately sending three boys on to the NFL. He and Connie moved to Springfield, MO in 2000 to be closer to their son, where together Bill and Matt started Meshack, Yourshack, and Abedtogo (MYA), on South Scenic in Springfield. As a dad, Bill made it a priority to make sure the family spent time together. As the children were growing up, summers were spent at Girl Lake in Minnesota. There he painted cabins, started Lone Pine Guide Service, and also guided for Al Linder's Camp Fish. Greater than all this, Bill had a compassion for people unlike any other. He could discern when they needed a word of encouragement, a prayer for their Father's helping hand, or to share the knowledge that God loves YOU, Jesus died for YOU, and HE will welcome you today just as you are; you only need to ask Him to come into your heart. Bill was a member of Hopedale Baptist Church in Ozark, MO, where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Bill leaves those to rejoice in his homecoming, his wife Connie, their children, Jennifer and Trent Willson of Holden, MO; Matthew and Kristin Buus of Springfield, MO; Rebecca and J.D. Shadel of Nixa, MO; grandchildren Walker and Aven Willson, Matthew, Noah, and Elizabeth Buus, and Jake and Luke Shadel. His sister Gloria and Jim Willms of Grundy Center, IA, nephew Scott and Susan Willms of Waterloo, IA, niece Alisa and Dan Drum of Nixa, MO. His aunt, Mrs. Sheila Buus of Tuscon, AZ, many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son-in-law, Ryan Bergmeier. A service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Sunday August 6th at 3:00pm at Hopedale Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DOOR International (Deaf Opportunity Outreach), an amazing ministry started by Bill's cousins, Mike and Linda Buus, that tells those who aren't able to hear, about Christ's love for them. Donations can be made by going to www.doorinternational.org or by mail: DOOR International, Dept 9012, P.O. Box 30516, Lansing, MI 48909.