Neal D. Buffaloe

Dr. Neal D. Buffaloe, 87, of Conway, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2012. He was born in Leachville, Ark., on Nov. 15, 1924, to the late William Thomas and Maude Eatherly Buffaloe. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Glenn Buffaloe and Larry Buffaloe, and his sister, Edith Buffaloe Johnson. He was married to the former Inez Owens on July 3, 1947, and she survives. Dr. Buffaloe graduated from Egypt, Ark., High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945. He earned a B.S. degree in Biology from David Lipscomb College and completed M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Vanderbilt University. In 1957, Dr. Buffaloe accepted an appointment as Professor of Biology and Chairman of the Biology Department at Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas). He served as department chairman for 17 years and then spent 13 more years in the classroom. He retired from U.C.A. in 1987 and was named Professor Emeritus of Biology in 1988. In 2004, the Neal D. Buffaloe Laboratory for Science Education was dedicated on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. He was a past president of the Arkansas Academy of Science and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Buffaloe was the author or co-author of six college-level biology textbooks, three laboratory manuals, and numerous technical papers. In 1993 he published a book, A Place Called Grinnel Flat, based on his experiences growing up in Northeast Arkansas during the Great Depression. Dr. Buffaloe began preaching in 1948 at various Churches of Christ, and in 1961 he served as founding minister of the College (now University) Church of Christ in Conway. He served in that capacity for five years. In 1981 he and Inez transferred their membership to First Christian Church of Conway, where he later served as minister for five years (1986-1991). Dr. Buffaloe was named Minister Emeritus in 2000. He continued his ministry through supply preaching and administrative work for the Christian Church. In addition to his wife, Inez, he survived by five children, Bonnie Cooper (James) of Carrollton, Ga., Robert Buffaloe (Mary Beth) of Harrisburg, Mo., Anne Dayer (Ray) of Conway, Laurie Stillwell (Kevin) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Don Buffaloe (Patty) of Simi Valley, Calif. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Luke Buffaloe, Sam Buffaloe, Joe Buffaloe, Susan Westendorf, Pam Cooper, Cathy Cooper, Rob Cooper, Matt Dayer, Sarah Beth Dayer, Theresa Stillwell, Mary Buffaloe, Amy Buffaloe, and Christine Buffaloe. He is survived by two great-grandchildren, Amelie Buffaloe and Eleanor Buffaloe. The family wishes to extend their gratitude and deep appreciation to the staff of Odyssey Hospice, especially Doris Hutchins, and the staff of Home Instead of Conway. Memorials may be made to Conway First Christian Church, 550 Watkins Street, Conway, Ark. 72032. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at the Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. With burrial to be held at 9 a.m. at Crestlawn Memorial Park, prior to the service. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The online guestbook can be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.