Frank H. Buhler

Frank H. Buhler, age 92 died on April 6th after living a long and beautifully lived life.  He was adored by his family and had many friends. Frank loved life and life loved him back.

Born in Washington D.C.  in 1926, he was the son of Charles Buhler and Regina Sandin Buhler. He was married to Jeanne Owen Buhler, the love of his life, for 67 years. He served in the Navy during World War II with his 3 brothers. He graduated from Miami University and was a member of Kappa Tau Fraternity.

Frank and Jeanne moved to Lynchburg in 1961 for Frank to begin work at Old Dominion Box Company as the company controller. He ultimately purchased the company and served as President and Chairman of the Board until his retirement. Frank’s leadership skills were put to good use over the years as he served on a multitude of boards. Some of those included: Crestar Bank, Smithfield Companies, Piedmont Label Seven Hills School, Lynchburg Airport Commission, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Presidents Advisory Council for Randolph College, Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and The Academy Center of the Arts.

He was past President of the National Paperbox and Packaging Association and in 1990 was chosen as their first “Man of the Year”. He served as President of The Lynchburg College Board of Trustees and was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. He was past President of the U.S. Business and Industrial Council, Past President of the CVCC Board, Past President of the West Central 4-H Board, Past President of Westminster Canterbury Board, and Past President of The Bedford County Hunt.

Frank’s professional and voluntary resumes are exhaustive, but what was most extraordinary about him was the Frank you got see on a daily basis if you were fortunate enough to spend some time with him. He was a fun guy, had a natural charisma, was quite happy just being himself, loved people, and treated everybody the same.  He was blessed with a very full package of God given gifts.  Frank was defined by his faith in God’s “big picture plan”, his clear sense of right and wrong, his eternal joie de vivre, and his capacity to embrace and resolve difficult situations.  He provided love and encouragement to his family and never lost faith in the potential he saw in the people he loved. He enjoyed friendships that went back to his early childhood and nurtured those relationships. Frank will be terribly missed by those that loved him.

In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his son, Michael Buhler (Dede) and his daughter Amy Buhler Scott (Tom), four grandchildren: Owen Buhler (Liz), Nate Buhler, Cooper Scott, BG Scott, two step-grandchildren: Victoria Bartholomew (Damien) and Dylan Hague, and one great grandson: Mac Buhler. Also surviving is his twin brother, Dick Buhler. He was predeceased by two brothers: Bubby Buhler and Turk Buhler, and two sisters: Sissy Buhler and Voodie Dunn.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church.

A special thanks to Dr. Steve Rennyson for his tireless support and comfort to Frank and his family. Friends wishing to make contributions might consider First Presbyterian Church or The University of Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.