Buford Lovell “Shorty” Hamel, a mentor to many and friend to all, left this earth for Heaven on Wednesday, December 29, at Wilshire At Lakewood Care Center, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Blue Springs Assembly of God, 2501 E. Duncan Rd. Blue Springs, MO. 64029. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to the AMAZING GRAYS Senior Ministry at Blue Springs Assembly of God, Blue Springs MO.

Shorty was born June 20, 1938 in Joplin, Arkansas, to Odus A and Gloria (Selvedge) Hamel. He was the middle of 5 children and was raised on a farm. The family grew and hand-picked cotton, corn, and tended various farm livestock. In 1956, Shorty graduated from Clover Bend High School in Clover Bend AR, and soon after moved to Kansas City. He joined his older brother, Warren, and they established a drywall business, “Mud Dobber Drywall”. Shorty’s expertise grew and he became a much-sought-after drywall finisher, truly an “artisan” in the industry, a perfectionist. Shorty partnered with his friend, Jim Faith, and they formed “Town and Country Drywall”, and, just a few years ago, to the disappointment of several local builders, Shorty finally hung up his stilts. Shorty entered the US Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged from the Reserves in 1967. In 1960, Shorty married Deanna Lackey. Together they faithfully attended Sheffield Assembly of God church in Kansas City. Shorty was an original founder and leader of OUTPOST #1 of ROYAL RANGERS at Sheffield. His love for the outdoors and camping proved to be key in the successful outreach of this ministry. For many years several of the boys who came through the Royal Rangers ministry sought-out Shorty for help and encouragement. He always gave it freely and without judgement.

Shorty loved traveling and planned family vacations with relish. Recently he told Kim how much he enjoyed the PLANNING, but that he knew he was planning more than could reasonably fit into any schedule. He especially loved vacations in Colorado and took the family there twice.

Shorty and his wife Dee faithfully served in a few churches throughout their lifetimes. Shorty served as Sunday school superintendent, worship leader, deacon, and, most recently, as the leader of the AMAZING GRAYS Senior Ministry at Blue Springs Assembly of God. Music was a very important element in Shorty’s life. As a boy, he taught himself to play the guitar, and had a real love for the instrument. In time, he and Dee would enlist the help of Kim and Kevin and formed a family singing group, “The Souls Harbor Singers”. They recorded two albums in Nashville. Traveling and singing with his family was a dream-come-true for Shorty. The Hamels sang in many churches in the Kansas City area, as well as throughout the Midwest and beyond. Shorty enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as in small ensembles. He could pick out ANY notes that were missing and set the harmonies on the right course…all by ear, as he didn’t read music at all.

Shorty loved his children and his grandchildren. He loved spending time together. He loved adventure and loved going places. He loved life. And he loved his Lord. In his rare times spent in a hospital, and in the few months at Wilshire, it didn’t take long for Shorty to win the respect and hearts of the medical team caring for him. He quickly got to the “heart” of their lives, with simple questions about their faith and their life experiences. He was never demanding, always gracious. He was always a favorite. Shorty is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Deanna; a son-in-law, Mike Driver; a sister, Evelyn Greeson.

He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Mark) Thomas of Lee’s Summit; son, Kevin (Tiffany) of Blue Springs, son, Jesse (Toni) Montgomery of Eldon MO; brother, Warren (Roberta) of Bolivar MO; sister, Midge (Paul) Myers of Grain Valley; sister, Jean (Larry) Abney of Wentzville; Grandchildren: Kristine, Katie Driver; Colton, Connor Thomas; Preston, Julia Hamel; Jonathan (Maddie), Jordan (Meagan) Montgomery.

Obituary submitted by family

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441