Gavin D. Buffington, 57, died at his home on Wednesday May 29, 2025. He was born June 9, 1967 to Jack and Marlene Buffington in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised in Frontenac, Kansas alongside his brother and in close proximity to both sets of grandparents and several cousins. Gavin’s parents were both teachers, his father teaching physics at Pittsburg High School and Pittsburg State University. Gavin followed his lead after he graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1985 by pursuing physics as well. Gavin attended Pittsburg State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1989 and a Master’s Degree in Physics in 1991. He then attended and graduated from the University of Missouri — Rolla in 1997 with a Ph.D in Physics.
Gavin was married to Michelle Lehman in 1991 and they eventually made their home in Hays, Kansas when he was hired to the faculty at Fort Hays State University in the fall of 1997. He and Michelle had two children, Quinn Buffington and Zoe Buffington. Gavin became chair of the Physics Department in August, 2006 and retained that position and full professorship at the university until his death.
Professionally Gavin was a dedicated teacher and mentor to both his students and fellow faculty. He served on numerous committees at the university throughout his tenure and remained committed to dynamic and engaging teaching and support for students by helping to maintain a strong physics program and research at Fort Hays State University. His research over the years focused on theoretical and computational physics, and atomic physics. In addition to teaching physics, he taught classes for those majoring in computing, networking, and informational systems.
Gavin and Michelle divorced in 2004. In 2013, Gavin met Shelli Patterson and they began a relationship that led to their marriage in 2015. Shelli and Gavin split their time between Hays and Kansas City, MO enjoying one another, supporting their careers, and spending time with family and friends. In the last 4 years their faithful companion for these cross-state ventures was Maxwell, their Yorkshire Terrier who misses Gavin dearly. In recent years they had begun to travel more extensively, Gavin discovering a love for cruising with Shelli.
Beyond his professional expertise and accomplishments, Gavin had lifetime passions that kept him busy. His early love for Kansas City Southern Railroad stemmed from his grandfather who was an engineer for KCS. From his father he developed in interest in both amateur radio (Gavin was licensed at age 14) and electronics work. Gavin was also an avid cyclist and a lifelong musician. Whatever he did to support his longtime passions or new interests, Gavin was always around people and ready to make new acquaintances. He never went anywhere — Hays, Kansas City, the Mediterranean, on the radio airwaves — where he did not meet and befriend someone.
Gavin was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marlene Buffington of Frontenac and all grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Shelli, and children, Quinn (Tara) Buffington of Overland Park, KS and Zoe Buffington of Hays. He is also survived by his step-sons, Richard Patterson III and Joshua (Blake) Patterson all of Kansas City, MO.. Finally, he is survived by his brother Cortney (Shannon) Buffington and niece MacKenzie of Lawrence, KS.
Eschewing the formalities of a sad occasion and much preferring to remain the life of the party, Gavin will be celebrated rather than mourned at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing on Saturday, August 2nd from 2:00 - 4:00. The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers to the two causes which Gavin and his family fervently wish to see cured or more effective treatment developed, Alzheimer’s and breast cancer via: https://www.alz.org/ and/or https://donate.cancer.org/
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Gavin's family here: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com