Jay J Kuhns

Jay Joy Kuhns was born September 17th, 1944, in Buffalo, MO to John J Kuhns and Bernice Hannah (Goodall) Kuhns. He passed away peacefully at his home in Buffalo, MO at 1:02 am March 22nd, 2026, at the age of 81 years and 6 months, surrounded by those he loved. Jay attended the Buffalo First Baptist church in his youth and made peace with the Lord. He attended Buffalo Schools where he graduated in 1962. After finishing high school, he went on to work for various farmers in the area and eventually took up construction work, working on several dams in the area, including the Truman dam in Warsaw. He met the love of his life, Carla, in December of 1973. They were united in marriage soon after on February 5th, 1974. To this union three children were born, Billy Jay (1974), Karen Lynn (1979), and Jennifer Mae (1980). Jay had a custom hay hauling business from the 60s to the 90s where he bucked many square bales all over Dallas County. In 1974, Jay started Kuhns Backhoe and Trucking that he operated until he passed away. Jay loved running his old Ford backhoe and his International dump trucks. It wasn’t uncommon to find him in his loader at the farm screening gravel for another job. In recent years, he enjoyed spending many hours clearing land on his skid steer. He cherished visiting with his numerous customers that he was happy to serve over the years. He and Carla especially loved hosting his annual cookout for friends, family, and customers an evening filled with good food, laughter, and plenty of music. Sharing that time together, swapping stories, and enjoying music was one of the highlights of his year. Jay was very devoted to his family. Supporting his three children—and later his six grandchildren—was one of his greatest joys, whether in sports, academics, or personal achievements. He aspired to share his love of hunting and fishing with them and took them often. He loved watching and supporting the local sports teams, Buffalo and Skyline, and was frequently seen in the front row in his blue overalls and ball cap. He was most happy when he was surrounded by his family, especially the grandkids, playing cards and picking on each one of them in his fun loving way. He loved gardening and loved to share his prize vegetables with family, neighbors, and friends. His favorite thing to grow was his tomatoes, of which he did not go many meals without. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his son Billy, his father-in-law Floyd White, and his brother Johnny A. Kuhns. Jay is survived by his wife of 52 years Carlotta Mae (White) Kuhns; his daughters: Karen and husband Dennis Gruber, Jennifer and husband Gerald Sutton all of Urbana; his grandchildren: Savannah and husband Andrew Covert (Halfway), Hannah Gruber (Buffalo), Katelin Sutton, Victor Sutton, Jaylee Gruber, and Colby Gruber (all of Urbana); a mother-in-law Lela Mae White (Elkland), extended family and many friends. Jay was loved by many. To Jay, a stranger did not exist. He will be missed by all. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Brother Dennis Skinner officiating. A time of visitation will be held the evening prior from 4 pm to 7 pm at the funeral home. Jay will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery, escorts will be Gerald Sutton, Dennis Gruber, Mark Moriarty, Dale Wilson, Carl Witt, Eddie Covert, and Andrew Covert, honorary escorts are Rick Wright, Victor Sutton, and Colby Gruber. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.

Jay J Kuhns

September 17, 1944 - March 22, 2026