Herb N. Buffenbarger

June 29, 2010

Send Condolences
Herb N. Buffenbarger 69 of Indianapolis, IN went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born July 2, 1940 in East Liberty, OH to the late Nelson and Flora (Phipps) Buffenbarger. Herb was a 1958 graduate of Salem High School and a 1962 graduate of Kentucky Christian University. He was a multi-talented man who enjoyed many vocations. He was pastor at Mr. Carmel Church of Christ in Ravenna, KY and later at Michigantown Christian Church in Michigantown, IN. In Clinton County he served as a volunteer fireman and EMT. He was a trainer/instructor for EMT’s through Ivy Tech. A time in real estate eventually led to a career in banking, where Herb spent over twenty years as a mortgage broker. Upon his retirement from the banking industry Herb re-entered full-time ministry, becoming senior pastor at both Urban Christian Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Indianapolis, IN. He was a Christ-minded community leader with a genuine heart for individuals caught in destructive lifestyles. This led him to found and direct Urban Recovery Center in Indianapolis, a shelter for women coming out of prison. In addition, Herb established drug and alcohol support groups, counseling and mentoring programs, and various other faith-based programs.

Visitation and Services

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2010 at Goodwin Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, July 1st from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery. Donations in memory of Herb may be made to the Urban Christian Church/Recovery Center; 920 Laurel St., Indianapolis, IN 46203. Envelopes will be available.

Survived by:

Herb is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Coapstick) Buffenbarger of Indianapolis, as well as his children, Mischelle (Robert) Johnson of Indianapolis, Greg (Deborah) Buffenbarger of Camden, and Brad (Lisa) Buffenbarger of DeKalb, IL. Herb leaves seven grandchildren, Tanner, Malachi, Ian, Leah, Chelsea, Caleb and Seth and three great-grandchilden, Cameron, Kiera and Carson. Herb is also survived by two sisters, Jan Bradford of Rushsylvania, OH and Bonnie Mangas of Union City, IN and eleven nieces and nephews.

Preceded by:

He is preceded in death by his brother, Melvin Buffenbarger and a nephew Anthony Mangas.

Condolences

19 Condolences for “Herb N. Buffenbarger”

  1. Sheila Cochran June 30, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Herb was the true definition of the word “FRIEND”. He was only a phone call away to come to your aid no matter what the situation was. His lovely wife Nancy was always patient and kind to all of us as we took time from her with Herb. Many hours at the bedside of his friends in support of their illnesses and to lend kind words of support to the family. No one ever wanted to go to surgery without a prayer from Herb. What a beautiful soul!! He will be missed but never forgotten…he will live on in our memories.
    God Bless you Nancy for being such a wonderful wife and friend….you will not be forgotten.
    God Bless You Today and Always,
    Your Friend Sheila

  2. Linda Berglan June 30, 2010 at 4:02 pm

    Tanner,
    My family’s sincerest sympathies for you and your family during this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
    My apologies for not being able to give you my support in person. Take care and let me know if you need anything.
    Linda

  3. Chuck & Ann Burgen June 30, 2010 at 5:36 pm

    Our thoughts are with you, Nancy at the passing of Herb. We were in ministry at the same time Herb was pastor at Michigantown Church. We valued his friendship and also the many contributions he made over the years in the service of the Lord. May His peace be with you and your family at this time of of passing as we remember for those in Christ it is never a loss but a gain!

  4. Janis Wilson June 30, 2010 at 7:07 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Herb touched many lives and helped many people during his lifetime. He will be missed.

  5. Debra Moline June 30, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

  6. Pat and David Brumbarger June 30, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    I am so sadden by the loss of this fine man. Herb was one of the first people I met when I moved to Indiana, over 30 yrs ago at my cousins restaurant in Michigantown. He was one sweet man. Then in later years I called upon him to honor us in performing our marriage. I was honored to have delivered the most beautiful marriage ceremony I had ever heard. Herb always had something nice to say about everyone. All his achievements would surprise you when you met him. He was just a plain simple man full of life and jokes. He will be missed by all whom ever has met him.

  7. Jane Boyer Fausset July 1, 2010 at 9:43 am

    Nancy, so very sorry to hear about Herb. My memory of Herb begins with our area youth groups with Michigantown, Kempton, Mechanicsburg, Normanda, Colfax, Eastside, and Kirklin churches and continued when you and I taught at Riley. Herb was such a dynamic person! The Lord certainly blessed him with the gift of ministry. What an impact he has made throughout his life….and for you to have shared in some of those. …that must be a comfort. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. Love, Jane

  8. Reta (Cambridge) Wallace July 1, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Nancy – so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Herb. May all the wonderful blessings of your life with him comfort you at this time of loss. My sympathy goes to you and your family.
    Sincerely, Reta (Cambridge) Wallace

  9. April Smith July 1, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Herb was my pastor. Words can’t fully express what he and Nancy have done in my families life and those in Central Indiana(polis). The most non-judgmental clergy person you would ever meet. He empathized with humans different levels of suffering, pain and abuse either self inflicted or from someone else and delivered hope through counseling. The Buffenbargers’ faith is a shining example to us all to preserve. Pastor Buff will truly be missed.
    We will meet again someday,
    April Smith and family

  10. Betty (Smith) Salyer July 1, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Daryll stopped by here and told me about Herbie, I’m so sorry, my thoughts and prays are with you all. If there is anything I can do I’m only a phone call away. He will be greatly missed, and was a caring man. Sorry I can’t be with you all, but for health reasons. But my thoughts and prays are with you. Love{cousin Betty}

  11. Barbara Bayless, Tammii Walters, Robert Spears, Jason Spears, Jamie Bayless July 1, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    From my family to yours, I would like express my dearest thoughts on the loss of a great man. Herb has been a good friend for over 40 years. Herb had married two of my kids and myself. This is a man that had a lot of love in his heart and it will continue on into the next life. Love Barb, Tammii, Robert, Jason, and Jamie

  12. Compton (Jennifer & Family) July 1, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Ms. Nancy, I’m so sorry for your loss. You, Herb, Mel were all a true blessings for my family. Mr. Buff was a true angel and he was there for me during the happiest and saddest times in my life and I will never forgot what a wonderful, caring man he was.
    My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Jennifer (Compton) Nichols and family

  13. Kellie Singleton July 1, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Nancy, please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Herb was a very loving and caring man and he will be greatly missed.

  14. Clyde Darrell Buffenbarger July 1, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Our prayers go out to the Buffenbarger family. Herb’s love of family is known by all. He reached out to all and was instrumental in holding the family together. His good works were known throughout Indiana and beyond. His beliefs and good works laid a path for many to follow and they will continue to make this world a better place to live. Herb, a job well done!
    With Love
    Cathy and Darrell

  15. Bonnie K July 1, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    Nancy,
    I could never put into words how the two of you have impacted my life. I am so thankful for both of you and so very blessed to have shared so many laughs and tears. I can just see Herbie in heaven, having a blast! Oh, how he will be missed. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I love you. “Bone”

  16. Dan Savage July 2, 2010 at 12:17 am

    Dear Pastor Buff,
    I write on behalf of my family–Carolyn Sue Savage (mother) and April Church Smith (niece). Our earthly family is indebted to you. It was your grace that guided my mother’s soul even closer to our heavenly father. It was your righteousness that served as a light for my family to follow closer to him. As sinners, we look to someone such as you to lose faith and to give us reason to doubt “him”. You by the Grace of God served as a perfect example of what is it to experience “re-birth” in Christ. We thank you for being a living, breathing example of this. It shows the rest of us what is possible to through him. I, personally, want to thank you for caring so much for my mother and niece. They love you. And, I know that they will miss you. I also know that they will see you once again. This time–it will be for eternity. In his name, God Bless you, Nancy, and your beloved family. .

  17. Diana Bond Murphy July 2, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    Herb, you will be missed. You have always been available to help our family in good times and in bad, the last being Daddy’s funeral in Frankfort. Your sense of humor will keep a little sparkle in our eyes … of all the giggles we’ve also shared over the years. Our best to Nancy and your family.
    From Diana Bond Murphy, Kokomo, Indiana (originally from Michigantown area)

  18. Tina Chadwick July 3, 2010 at 12:39 am

    Nancy my heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Herb was the most wonderful man I have ever met, all it took was a phone call and he would be right there no matter what time of night or whatever reason he was an angel sent from God and he saved so many lives including mine and touched so many souls. He never judged anyone and accepted everyone for who they were. He will be truly missed and forever loved. If there is anything my family can do to continue the mission please let me know you can call my mom Talton and she can give you my number I would love to volunteer in the prison ministry. With all my love and deepest sympathy, Tina

  19. Jessie & Tom Fairley July 3, 2010 at 7:49 am

    We will miss pastor Buff. Our prayers are with you all. Hope his work here will keep going.

Please fill out this form to contact the staff of Goodwin Funeral Home. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Family Information Guide

Goodwin Funeral Home obituaries are created from information contained in the Family Information Guide.

The Family Information Guide is a no-cost service provided by Goodwin Funeral Home for families and individuals who wish to record their personal information during the funeral preplanning process.

Begin your Family Information Guide today. Learn more about preparing yourself and loved ones for difficult and emotional decisions in the future.

Start my Family Information Guide

Funeral Arrangement Planner

Begin planning a funeral with our simple funeral arrangement planner.

The funeral arrangement planner was created to help guide you through the basic steps of planning a funeral. You may send your funeral plans to our office with any questions you may have about the funeral planning process.

Funeral Arrangement Planner