Marvin Monroe Buford, Jr. 1951–2026
Marvin M. Buford, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida, and Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away on January 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, following a sudden and brief hospital stay.
Born on November 17, 1951, in Sedalia, Missouri, Marvin was the son of Marvin M. Buford, Sr.—namesake of the Warrensburg Little League baseball diamond—and Verneta Buford Koeller. On December 29, 1984, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jill Uhler-Buford in Warrensburg, and together they had recently celebrated 41 years of marriage.
Marvin built a distinguished career in Southwest Florida with the Lee County Port Authority, which operates Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field. As a leader overseeing a staff of roughly 100, he was responsible for major maintenance operations across more than 14,500 acres of airport-owned land. His work ensured the reliability of critical aviation infrastructure, including the airfield, terminal, roadways, parking facilities, and support systems. His steady leadership and commitment to excellence played a vital role in supporting RSW’s rapid growth and its major terminal expansion projects. Colleagues and aviation professionals alike remembered him for his integrity, strong work ethic, and inclusive, supportive leadership style.
A proud Warrensburg native, Marvin attended Warrensburg High School, where he played football and basketball. He later enlisted in the Missouri National Guard, graduated from State Fair Community College in Sedalia, and spent a decade with the Missouri State Highway Department before relocating to Southwest Florida.
Marvin cherished his many friendships and was deeply grateful for the people who enriched his life. He enjoyed years of softball with the Inn Between team, loved golfing, and was an enthusiastic sports fan. He followed the UCM Mules and Jennies, attended Florida Gulf Coast University men’s basketball and women’s volleyball games, and spent countless memorable days cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals with his buddies—always savoring the camaraderie and tailgating traditions. He was a loving and proud uncle to his niece Emily Uhler and a great brother in law to Bruce Uhler.
Marvin and Jill treasured their time together, whether sightseeing each week in Florida and Missouri or simply enjoying the peaceful view from their new home. Watching their birds, hummingbirds and sunsets together became one of their greatest shared joys.
A celebration of life is being planned for in the Spring..
Marvin had the greatest friends as he said often. Here are some Ron Riddle, Randy Jones, Mike McKee, Red McKee(deceased), Lance Ruddle, Skip Jones, Laine Hurley, Thomas Temple, Rick Briscoe, Doug Gelbach and more in Ft Myers. Thank you all.
Father, thank You for the life of beloved Marvin Buford. Though his journey is ending, we celebrate all that he has been to us. Thank you for the love he shared, the faith he lived, and the legacy he leaves behind. Receive him into your eternal joy. May we always remember the light and love he brought to this world. God bless you Marvin.
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