Howard Breitenbucher

Funeral Services for Howard L. Breitenbucher, 84, Lawrence, KS, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Military graveside services will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. He died on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

He was born on April 6, 1925 in Trenton, MO, the son of V.G. (Voiles) and Frances Sugg Breitenbucher. He grew up in Trenton, MO.

Mr. Breitenbucher was a graduate of Trenton, MO High School and then attended Kansas State University, where he received a certificate.  He later attended and graduated from Missouri State College in Marysville, MO with a degree in agriculture.

In August 1943, he joined the US Navy.  He served as a Fireman First Class on the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier.  He was honorably discharged in March 1946.

He moved to Lawrence in 1953 and went to work at Farmland Industries in 1960.  He was a chemical worker in production and warehousing.  He retired from Farmland in April 1987.

Mr. Breitenbucher as a member of the First Christian Church in Lawrence and served there as a Stephen Minister since 1983.  He attended the Bethany Class there, up until his illness.  He also served as a volunteer for the Watkins Community Museum and the Lawrence Public Library.  He was an avid reader.

He is survived by two nieces; Nancy Shields of Trenton, MO, Beth Shields of St. Joseph, MO, and a nephew, Darin Breitenbucher of Merriam, KS. He was also survived by two sisters-in-law; Waldean Breitenbucher of Trenton, MO and Dani Breitenbucher of Corpus Christi, TX.  He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sisters and twin brothers, Noel & Joel Breitenbucher.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the First Christian Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

The family will greet friends prior to the services from 10-11 a.m. He will lie in state from noon- 9 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary/

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com  Subject: Breitenbucher