Terry Dewain Buller

In Loving Memory of

Terry Dewain Buller

September 13, 1951 – February 3, 2026

This memorial tribute honors the life of Terry Buller, a man who loved Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to faithfully following Him. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ, Terry went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on February 3, 2026. While his absence is deeply felt, there is comfort and hope in knowing exactly where he is.

One of Terry’s favorite verses was 1 Corinthians 10:13, a reminder that God is faithful and always provides a way through temptation and trial. Another passage that shaped his life, and brings comfort today is Romans 8:38–39, which assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not hardship. Not suffering. Not even death.

Terry was born on September 13, 1951, in Enid, Oklahoma, at St. Mary’s Hospital to LeRoy and Geraline Buller. His faith journey began early in life. As a child, after watching his parents lead a worship practice, they led Terry to Christ. From that moment on, his relationship with Jesus was personal, sincere, and deeply rooted.

Growing up on the farm shaped Terry’s character. He learned how to work hard, helping with chores. He hated milking the cows and that is why he never liked drinking milk, but he sure loved ice cream.

Terry’s ingenuity mixed with his orneriness were demonstrated early on in his life. For example, he orchestrated the school bus getting stuck on a muddy country road by convincing all the students to sit on one side of the bus. Another example of his mischievousness is the time he loudly revved the engine of his truck without a muffler, his way of letting the other classmates know he had snuck out of the school study hall.

He attended Grace Bible College in Omaha, earning a pastoral degree and graduating in 1973. For three years in Montana, he served as senior pastor at two separate churches 20 miles apart, shepherding people with humility, wisdom, and a deep love for God’s Word.

Terry married the love of his life, Donna Swartz, on May 19, 1973. He would do anything to see her smile. Their story began with a blind date, bowling and pizza at Starkey in Omaha, Nebraska, and Donna was impressed right away. Their marriage became a beautiful testimony of faithfulness, joy, and quiet devotion.

Terry was a steady, patient, and deeply loving father to his four children. When each of his children wrecked cars as teenagers, he never responded with anger. Instead, he would say, “Cars can be replaced. I’m just glad you’re okay.” His children always knew they were loved by him. That same love extended fully to his sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, who felt just as cherished as his own children.

His love showed itself in action, fixing flat tires, chasing a runaway trampoline on New Year’s Eve in sub-zero temperatures, and even laying in the snow to shut off leaking water pipes in the middle of winter. His love reflected the heart of his Heavenly Father.

Terry lived out his faith through service. He was a charter member at East Evangelical Free Church (now GraceFirst) serving in many ways, from helping with chair setup and tear down, to being an elder and Awana commander.

In 2006, after his father suffered a stroke, Terry returned to work on his parents’ farm. When there was a need, Terry would be faithful to show up.

Terry loved life and found joy in simple things. He loved playing cards, and fittingly, he won his last game of ten-point pitch just two weeks before he passed. He loved playing the guitar, gardening, woodworking, watching sports, farming, fishing (but not cleaning the fish), and smoking some truly wonderful BBQ for family gatherings.

He was known for his creativity and problem-solving. If something was broken, Terry would figure out how to fix it. He rarely hired a handyman, taking pride in doing things himself, and doing them well.

Terry was also known for his hospitality. His dining room table always had room for one more, whether for a shared meal or a game of cards. No one ever felt like a stranger in his home.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife Donna; his children Michael Buller (Tammy), Monica Habashy (Tony), Melissa Wellenstein (Rick), and Matthew Buller (Kristina); and 16 grandchildren and their spouses, each one deeply loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Geraline, his brother Bruce, his sister-in-law Linda, and his grandsons Noah and Jeremiah.

Although Terry was a good man, he knew that it was his faith alone in Christ's death on the cross and resurrection that brought him into heaven, not his works. As Scripture tells us in Ephesians 2:8–9,

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

If you are reading this and do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, he would want you to accept God’s free gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Memorial Gifts

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Terry’s honor to the International Mission Board at: imb.org/give dedicated to the Lottie Moon international missions. https://metroeastbaptistchurch-k.subspla.sh/582f5wv

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 7, at Metro East Baptist Church, 333 N. 143rd St. E., followed by the Committal Ceremony at Kensington Gardens, 11500 E. 21st St. N. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.