Waddy Stephen VanBuren Sr.'s Obituary
Waddy Stephen VanBuren, Sr., was born in Washington D.C. on Friday October 21, 1949. He was the 3rd child of Wellington VanBuren Sr., and Alma Harris-VanBuren. On Tuesday September 30, 2025, he passed away at his home in the care of his loving wife and children.
Waddy graduated from Spingarn Senior High in Washington, D.C. in 1968. In their yearbook, it had him as cool, outgoing, and respected. He was one of the masterminds that started the social group named “The Roman Lords” which kept all of D.C. on high alert. He married young to his first wife, Esther Green, with whom he had his first three children. He later married Patricia Williams, with whom he had his next two children. He said he would never marry again. Ultimately, he married his third wife Evangeline Redding “Van” on August 13, 1983, and they had two children. Together Waddy and Van were inseparable. They traveled, raised their children, and enjoyed each other. They were more than man and wife; they were best friends to the end. They would have been millionaires if they had their own family sitcom on BET. Waddy was a strong and positive patriarch for the family; all his children bonded and grew in the love he provided. He instilled in them his words of wisdom, his strength, and devotion. His unique sense of humor could definitely catch one off guard.
Waddy’s hobbies included: gun collecting, martial arts, and weapons like throwing stars, knives, and swords. He was a 3rd degree black belt and loved his time at the gym. Before he became ill, he loved to go fishing to relax. Above all, he was a family man, full of love and devoted to his brother, sister, and children.
Waddy leaves to mourn: his wife of 43 years, Van; daughters, Stephanie Williams (Derick Williams), Christina Robin (Kevin Robin), Kimberly Mirzayeva (Mirali Mirzayev), Kristen VanBuren, and Evangeline “Angel” VanBuren (Jesse Bateman); son Waddy VanBuren, II (Emily Clark); brothers, Wayne VanBuren and Wardell VanBuren, Sr., (Diane VanBuren); sister, Roxanna VanBuren-Roberts (William Roberts); 4 Granddaughters, Chanteau, Camille, Ashley, and Brittany; 2 grandsons, Aaron Simons and Wyatt VanBuren; 6 great-grandsons; 3 great-granddaughters; 5 nieces; 6 nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wellington VanBuren and Alma Harris-VanBuren; brother Wellington VanBuren, Jr.; sister Dorothea VanBuren; and daughter, Lesley VanBuren.
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