Donald W. Buller

Retired BRPD Chief of Detectives Donald Wayne Buller passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born in Ville Platte, Louisiana on April 27, 1940, to Tillman Buller and Gladys Soileau Buller. Don was a member of the Army National Guard as an MP. He was a 1970 graduate of Loyola University, where he received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. This was the precipice of a long and successful career in law enforcement. Donald joined the East Baton Rouge Police Department, and his success was evident to everyone around him. He obtained the ranks of Sergeant, Captain, and the apex of his career was Chief of Detectives – a role he cherished until his retirement from the force in 1996. After retirement he was offered the Head of Security for the Louisiana State Senate from 1997-2004.

He was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and the Baton Rouge Fraternal Order of Police.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife of 56 years, Leah Baron Buller.

Donald is survived by his devoted daughters, Tonya Buller Polozola and husband Gordon, and Faith Buller Francise and husband Jeremy; and his beloved grandchildren Evan Wayne Polozola, Sophia Caroline Polozola, and Emily Grace Francise. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Tillman Buller and his significant other, Mary Onebane; as well as numerous other loving family, brothers in blue, and countless friends.

The family would like to acknowledge Robert and Charlotte Ardoin, LJ and Nancy Aguillard, and longtime caregiver with Griswold Home Care, Mrs. Gwendolyn Martin, for their unwavering friendship, compassion and care.

Donald was bigger than life to anyone that new him – respected, fearless and practical. To his family, they saw the loving, funny, humble and selfless side of Donald. They see the wonderful father that taught his two young daughters street smarts, and the doting grandfather that loved his grandkids to the end of the earth! The love he had for Leah was the foundation for the love he gave to others.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 9150 Highland Road in Baton Rouge. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Robert Buller, Gordon Polozola, Jeremy Francise, LJ Aguillard, Nancy Aguillard, David Slaughter, Mary Onebane, Charlotte Ardoin, Kyle Ardoin, Dennis Kelly, Buddy Fuentes and Gwen Martin.

For those so desiring, memorials in honor of Donald W. Buller may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, that provides educational and support programs to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com