Philip E. Buecher, age 90, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 5:55 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at home.
Phil was born in Jasper, Indiana on October 30, 1927 to Earle and Ruth (Gasser) Buecher. He married Gloria I. Sermersheim on August 7, 1948 at the Lady of the Springs Church in French Lick, Indiana.
He graduated from Jasper High School, where he received the Distinguished Graduate Award, attended Culver Military School, was active in Scouting, and graduated from Indiana University with a Business Administration Degree. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the President of the Dubois County I.U. Alumni Association.
He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served as a Petty Officer 3rd Class in WWII, and was awarded the Honor Man of his boot company. He was a member of the American Legion Post #147 in Jasper, IN.
He was a long time member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Jasper.
He retired as a Furniture Manufacturers’ Representative of Paoli Chair, and also represented Jasper Desk, and his own company he founded, Glowin Company. He owned and managed the Stewart Hotel for 35 years, which is still owned and operates as an office rental. He was the Postmaster of the Jasper Post Office and served as the President of the Southwest National League of Postmasters.
Phil served on the Jasper School Board for 35 years, 29 of which as the president. He presided during the consolidation of the Greater Jasper School Corporation, and served as State Officer and Director. In 1994 he received the Outstanding Boardsmanship Award from the Indiana State School Board Association. He served as a state director on the Indiana School Board Association for 9 years.
He was a member of the Jasper Park Board during the construction of the golf course, the establishment of the first Park and Recreation Director, and served on the Jasper Plan Commission. He was a charter member and officer of the Lions Club, Vice President of the Jasper Jaycees, and a member of the Deutscherverein (German Club). He received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor O’Bannon, served on the County Election Board, the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Jasper Rifle Club.
Phil and his wife Gloria have actively supported Memorial Hospital in many ways over the years. Phil dedicated himself to many years of community service, motivated not by self-interest but by a sense of duty to the people of Dubois County.
He enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, tennis, dancing, reading, and playing cards.
Surviving is his wife, Gloria I. Buecher of Jasper, IN, two daughters, Sheila L. Buecher of Louisville, KY, Jayme McComas (Rod),Carmel, IN, two grandchildren, Adam Edwards and Leslie Hanna, two great grandchildren, Donovan Edwards and Theo Hanna.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Funeral Services for Philip Buecher will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Trinity United Church of Christ in Jasper, IN, with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper, Indiana. The American Legion Post #147 will perform military gravesite rites. Rev. Jane Hillman will officiate.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, IN, and from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. service time at church on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Dubois Community Foundation – Philip and Gloria Buecher Endowment, or a favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com
