By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
March 31, 1951 – June 5, 2026
Wagoner, Oklahoma
Cherokee Nation, Military Veteran
Lloyd Edward Buford Jr. entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 5:52 a.m., surrounded by his family.
Lloyd was born on March 31, 1951, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Lloyd and Vivian Buford. He attended school in Wagoner, Oklahoma, through the third grade before his family moved to northeastern Colorado. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1970 and proudly served in the National Guard from 1970 to 1976.
Lloyd began working in the meat department of a local grocery store while still in high school and remained a meat cutter throughout his working life. His dedication to the trade eventually led him to own and operate his own meat processing business.
He also dedicated 27 years to law enforcement and public service in Encampment, Wyoming, serving as both a police chief and later as Mayor. Lloyd took protecting and serving seriously. He loved the community of Encampment and was proud to call it home. To him, the people of Encampment were more than citizens—they were neighbors, friends, and extended family.
Lloyd’s greatest blessing was his marriage to Jan. The two met in high school, and what began as young love grew into a marriage that spanned 55 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another.
A faithful member of Crossroads Community Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma, Lloyd lived his faith through service, kindness, and genuine care for others.
Anyone who knew Lloyd knew he never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and quickly make them feel like an old friend. He was a storyteller, a jokester, and someone who genuinely enjoyed people.
