John Willour Buchwalter
December 19, 1934 – July 14, 2025
John Willour Buchwalter, 90, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 19, 1934, to Carl Buchwalter and Audrey Willour Buchwalter, John lived a long, fascinating, and purpose-filled life marked by his humor, curiosity, resilience, and dedication to family.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemary Francis Freeman Frambes Buchwalter, whom he married on July 8, 1972. Together, they built a rich life full of love, laughter, and a large, close-knit family. Rosemary passed away on December 20, 2008, but remained the love of John’s life. He was also preceded in death by his sister Kathryn (Katy) and is survived by brother-in-law David Rettinger.
John was a proud and loving father to seven children: the late Donn Stark Frambes, the late Michael Frambes, David (Sherry) Frambes of Wooster, Melanie Frambes of Wooster, Mary Lisa (late Terry) Eubanks of Wooster, Laurel (Larry) Strasbaugh of Dalton, the late Rita Frambes, and honorary daughter Molly Frambes Clark. John leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Amy (Joe Leggio) Eubanks, Jessica (Jeff) Lendon, Rachel (late Joshua) Vizzo, Kelly Howard , Michael (Natalie) Skelly, Mark (Carrie) Skelly, Michelle (Matt) Ogden, Tony (Amanda) Howard, Adam (Nichole) Eubanks, Chris(Leah) Strasbaugh, Craig (Jenny) Strasbaugh, Frank Smith, Ben Clark, Jack (Jessika) Clark, Charlie Clark and Harry Clark as well as numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life. His legacy will continue to live on through each of them.
From a young age, John showed remarkable drive and talent. As a founding member of the Dalton-Kidron Big 4 4-H Club, he began showing registered Jersey cattle at a young age and quickly rose to acclaim as a champion showman. He traveled the country—attending state fairs and international livestock shows from as early as age 10—earning trophies, ribbons, and friendships that lasted a lifetime.
John’s professional life was equally impressive. A skilled mechanic, he first made his mark in the agricultural sector before expanding his expertise into the industrial equipment and oilfield industries. He was trusted for his knowledge and sought after for his advice. Perhaps most remarkably, John played a behind-the-scenes role in one of America’s most watched rescue efforts—when baby Jessica fell into a well in Texas in 1987. His ingenuity helped shape a critical piece of rescue equipment, which he personally drove to the airport so it could be flown overnight to the scene.
John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during a fascinating era—at the very same base, at the very same time, as Elvis Presley. His tales from that time, and many others, were legendary. With his unmatched storytelling skills, he could captivate any audience and had an uncanny ability to find humor in life’s smallest moments. If you were fortunate enough to have heard any of his stories, you would never forget it.
His love for travel took him to all fifty states, making him a true American explorer at heart. At home, he was a fan of Walker, Texas Ranger and The Incredible Dr. Pol, and an avid reader of Harlequin “smut” books. His sense of style—both in storytelling and everyday life—made him unforgettable.
John Willour Buchwalter may well have been the most interesting man who ever lived. He will be deeply missed but remembered with immense love, admiration, and more than a few laughs.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with graveside services to take place at St. Mary Cemetery immediately after the service. Following the burial, the family invites friends to join them for a light meal and fellowship at the Best Western Plus Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Wooster.
Family will receive friends from 2:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Rest easy 💔 Bucky my friend my mentor!Love you ❤️ Bud
What a great man. I worked with him for years. He wasn’t just a mechanic/problem solver. He was brilliant. A person could learn a whole lot working with him. Even better, he was fun to work with!
Our deepest sympathies to John’s family. Many fond memories with John and Rosemary. I’m sure he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Uncle John was so kind to me in my childhood. For a period he took me under his wing and I fondly remember our trips to cattle Sales and agriculture shows as well as just doing chores around his farms.
I fondly appreciate the steady warmth and companionship he gave me at a time I needed someone to look up to.
Rest in peace Uncle John, I love you.
What a great man, I enjoyed listening to his many stories, rest in peace Bucky !
I will always remember Uncle John for his kindness and sense of humor-especially how he and Aunt Rosemary would laugh and have fun together. He was always so patient with us as kids. I never saw him get angry. I will miss you Uncle John! You were special.
The world will miss Bucky.
My condolence to the whole family I am sorry to hear about Your grandpa John I met him a few times and he seemed like an awesome person, He will be well missed Sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss, Laurel. Praying for your family. 💔
I first met John Buchwalter as a young man at Buckeye Supply. John was working for DA Waldron in the oilfield and we sold them equipment. John and Danny Landers were a pair and between them Buckeye Supply was always a lot of laughs when those guys showed up. I would run into John out in the patch and he was always great. A real wry sense of humor and very knowledgeable about the industry. I will sure miss John.