Samuel Jay Bucher’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Sam went home to the Lord on June 16, 2022, at the age of 79, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living life to the fullest.
Son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather were roles he fulfilled with love and laughter. Sam was a true friend and could always bring laughter and a smile to any situation with an unexpected sarcastic comment or observation. He kept us on our toes.
Sam lived a full life dedicated to his family and selfless service. Always having been an anchor for loved ones and friends, his presence will be greatly mourned but his lessons, love, and laughter will remain with us forever. That ornery glint in his eye and quick wit has most definitely been passed on to his sons and grandchildren and the legacy of laughter and love will live on.
Born December 23, 1942, in Salina, Sam was the second of seven children born to John Orris and Marguerite Marie (Roy) Bucher. Sam was a graduate of Arkansas City High School (1960), Cowley County Jr. College (Associates - 1964), and Wichita State University (Bachelors - 1970). Sam served as Sgt. E5 in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1962 to 1968 where he was Squad Leader - 1st Platoon Infantry General Support Specialist and earned the Marksman M-1 w/Rifle Bar commendation/medal. Sam married the love of his life Barbara “Jane” Donohue on September 2, 1966. Sam has served, volunteered, or belonged to: Haviland American Legion Adjutant; Kiowa County Library Board; Haviland United Methodist Church Treasurer and newsletter publisher; United Methodist Men; Haviland Pride Committee President; Boy Scouts of America Scout Leader; Haviland Volunteer Fire Fighter; Haviland Booster Club Member of the Year; various Square Dance Clubs; and he was a Ham Radio enthusiast.
Sam is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane Bucher of Haviland; his sons Orris Jay Bucher of Glendale, AZ; and Wesley (Shawna) Bucher of Dalhart, TX; his grandchildren Stephanie (Raul) Tapia of Phoenix, AZ; Jessica Bucher and Jackson Bucher both of Powder Springs, GA; and Waylon Bucher of Florrisant, CO; his brothers Jon (Susan) Bucher of Searcy, AR; Dan Bucher of Wichita; and James “Jim” Bucher of Arkansas City; his aunt Elamae Roy of Kansas City; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by both parents and his siblings Duane Edward (Ed) Bucher, Neida Marie Dunn, and Marguerite Estelle (Susie) Grimes.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 29, 2022 at Haviland Methodist Church.