Charles Francis Buhler

Charles Francis Buhler, 88, Topeka, Kansas, died December 26, 2016, from acute myeloid leukemia. Charlie was born April 2, 1928, in Maryville, MO, the oldest child of Paul and Helen Tobin Buhler. Charlie graduated from Conception Abbey and St. Benedict’s College. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He returned and soon was employed by Sheridan Clayton Paper Company, in St. Joseph, where he met Patricia O’Connell. Charlie married Pat June 16, 1956, at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral Catholic Church. Charlie and Pat moved from St. Joseph to Topeka in January 1967, and lived in the same house since moving there. Charlie was a paper salesman for 40 years, mostly for Nationwide Papers in Topeka, retiring in 1993. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 8059. Volunteering and giving back was a big part of their lives. While their sons attended Hayden High School, Pat and Charlie became a key part of the alumni and fundraising efforts at Hayden. For over 30 years, “Bingo Charlie” and Pat worked Hayden PACE auctions, bingo and concession stands. A scholarship was created in their honor at Hayden in 2007. They also led pre-marriage classes, assisted with the St. Lawrence Center in Lawrence, KS and he and Pat were mentors and confidants to dozens of their neighborhood kids and sons’ friends. Charlie’s mantra when dropping off his five boys to grade school as well as to his grandkids today has always been “Do Some Good!”. Charlie set an outstanding example of doing “good” in his lifetime! Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Pat in 2010, his parents, and a sister Joan Buhler. He is survived by sons, Paul (Sherry) Shawnee, KS; Brian (Laurie) Topeka, KS; John, Dallas, TX; David (Gwin) Topeka, KS; and Mark (Becky) Greeley, CO; and grandchildren: Shannon; Mandi and Skylor; Chelsea (Drew), Emily (Brandon) and Brad; Ben, Chris (Nina) and Daniel; 2 great-grandsons, Luke and Eli; a brother, Bob Buhler, Northglenn, CO and a sister, Pat Derrickson, Bel Air, MD; many nieces and nephews; plus a large extended family. Visitation will be at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church in Topeka Thursday, December 29, from 4-6:30 PM followed by a rosary at 6:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church Friday, December 30, at 10 AM. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Buhler Family Scholarship Fund, Hayden Catholic High School, 401 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606

Charles Francis Buhler

April 2, 1928 - December 26, 2016