Christopher Lee Buban, 56, of Monmouth IL passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his home.
He was born November 27, 1967 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Nancy Atwell Buban and Steven Buban.
Chris graduated from Monmouth High School in 1986 and received a BA in English from Monmouth College in 1992. He remained an avid reader of literature. In high school, he participated in Speech Team, Latin Competitions, and starred in theater productions all four years. He was an Illinois State Scholar. In college, he starred in several theater productions and played on the college tennis team.
He married Paula Erlandson on August 8, 2020 in Monmouth. Paula and Chris were together for nine years and enjoyed traveling, attending music venues, watching movies and, especially, sharing love and laughter.
After graduating from college, Chris worked in Washington, DC at the National Institute of Health and as a paralegal for the law firm of Steptoe and Johnson. Later he ignited his passion for cooking by becoming a baker at Great Harvest Bread Co. in Alexandria, Virginia. When he returned to Illinois, he was employed by Monmouth College in various capacities, most notably oversight of audio/visual services.
Chris had his first tennis lesson in third grade and became an accomplished tennis player. He participated for several years in Monmouth City Tournaments, one year winning all four tournaments: the 18 and Under Singles, the Men’s Open Singles, the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He gave lessons for several years and kept his love for tennis his entire life.
Chris had a love of cooking and eating good food. He was a skilled cook and liked to experiment with various cuisines and unusual desserts. He could be a bit of a snob when it came to food, especially when cooking. He was offended at the mere thought of using a boxed cake mix or salted butter for baking. If he was preparing a special meal, one best not be in a hurry to eat.
Chris was a great lover of music, especially rock. He loved to attend concerts and festivals. He could recite lyrics to literally thousands of songs. At any particular moment, he might shout out a line, anything from the Beastie Boys to the Kinks, from DEVO to Mudhoney. His encyclopedic knowledge of quotes extended to TV and movies as well.
Chris loved to travel and fortunately was able to go many places. He and Paula took trips to San Diego/Tijuana, New Orleans, Nashville and Houston, which gave them wonderful memories. Chris was able to travel to Europe with his parents and daughter Caroline to Italy, Germany and France. On other occasions, he traveled to Amsterdam and to Ireland and Scotland. He and his father took trips to Mexico City, Los Angeles, New York City, and Jamaica.
Those who knew Chris knew that he was a true wit and a trickster with an irreverent sense of humor. He delighted in giving family and friends gag gifts. At Christmas, he was at his best. Once every member of the family received funny wigs or fake beards that led to some classic Christmas pictures. One year it was bullhorns that allowed him to say hello from his porch to his parents’ porch. This year he out did himself when he bought a life-size, cardboard cutout of his brother Peter having a menacing expression.
Chris is survived by his wife, Paula, his parents, his brother Peter of Monmouth, his children Caroline (Collin) of Chicago, Amy of Richmond, VA, and Stephen of Monmouth, and Paula’s children Rachael and Emma of Chicago and Collin, a student at University of Illinois at Chicago. Other survivors are his Uncle Ron and Aunt Linda Buban and cousin Stacey (Keith) Metcalf of Jasper, IN, as well as many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and cousin Kevin.
A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Warren County Public Library or United Way of Greater Warren County and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
