From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Oct. 25, 1989:

Buford Watson, who had helped guide Lawrence during his 19 years as city manager, passed away on this date. Watson, 59, had been rushed to Lawrence Memorial Hospital shortly after midnight and had been admitted to the cardiac care unit before being pronounced dead at 1:44 a.m. “It’s a sad day,” said former Lawrence mayor and city commissioner Barkley Clark this morning. “I knew Buford as a friend and served as a city commissioner I think longer than anyone else with Buford. I always had tremendous admiration for his management skills, But more than that, I felt he was a great friend of the city. Lawrence has experienced a great loss.” Current Mayor Bob Schumm, who had brought the news to other city commissioners early this morning, praised Watson for his professionalism and commitment. “Obviously, it’s a just a tremendous shock to us,” Schumm said. “It was totally unexpected. I don’t think I, or any member of the commission or staff, can assess the total loss we’re going to see…. He was a great peacemaker and he had the ability to work with all of the sides on an issue.”