Merwyn Jesse Buffington (1914–1987)

With friends, Joe and Jim Castleman, "Buff" was the third member of a western-style band known as The Castleman Brothers. Joe played the mandolin and Jim played the fiddle while "Buff" was the guitarist. Moving to San Antonio in 1933, the trio worked during the day, performed at drive-ins at night and began playing live in the early mornings on various radio stations - including KONO and KMAC. Quite regularly, a good friend of the band's - Ernest Tubb - was a featured guest on their radio show before landing his own program.

"Buff" had encouraged Ernest Tubb to begin playing the guitar and was instrumental in teaching Tubb his first chords (though Buff himself played bass runs, not chords). Buff later traveled with Ernest Tubb and is listed as the guitarist on various recordings. Their friendship lasted a lifetime with an occasional visit between the two thru the years.

Four years after arriving in San Antonio, Buff decided to leave the music scene.

THE BEST WAS YET TO COME...

Buff began attending San Antonio's Gulf Street congregation of the church of Christ and soon made his greatest decision in life - to become a Christian. He was baptized for the remission of his sins. Soon thereafter, Buff began a long career (36 yrs.) traveling the U.S. as an evangelist, in addition to occasionally preaching at his home congregation Manor Road in Austin, TX.

It was always a delight to see him standing behind the pulpit and hear one of his sermons. Buff was an excellent song-leader, as well. All who knew him were blessed ~ not only by his kindness and friendship, but his example of a Christian brother.

October 3, 1987, Merwyn Jesse Buffington was called home to Glory.

...THE BEST FINALLY CAME!