Charles Thomas Buhlinger, 86, Owensville, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at his home. He was born May 31, 1934, to Herbert Buhlinger and Edna (Hubbard) Hoynes in St. Louis.
He was united in marriage to JoAnn Weber Nov. 24, 1956 in Hernando, Mississippi. He was educated through the 8th grade until working full-time on the family farm. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S.Marine Corp from 1950-1953 during the Korean War. Early in his career, he worked as a delivery driver for both Coca-Cola and RC Cola. He transitioned to ABC TV where he was trained as an Electronic Technician. During that time, he became an entrepreneur and started a business in TV and radio repair named Unitron. The business successfully expanded into the sale of Nutone products. Later, he was hired as a Service Representative for Nutone.
Charles lived life to the fullest and loved both adventures and challenges. He obtained a pilot’s license and owned his own plane. He shared one of his favorite stories often with his family of flying to his father’s farm for a visit and landing the plane in the fields. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, boating, and traveling the United States in an RV. As a jack-of-all-trades, he often worked on various home renovations, small and large engine repair, and countless craft projects. In his elder years, he enjoyed manicuring the lawn and watching the St. Louis Cardinals, but his favorite pastime was playing cards with both friends and family. Charles was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6133. He also actively served in many roles at Christ Community Church. As a faithful servant, he often went out of his way to assist those in need and the community at large. He was the life the party, and met everyone with an open heart and mind. Many say that Charles has made an imprint on their heart. His smile will never be forgotten, as it was as charismatic as his personality.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Edith Diamontini and Nancy Bauer; and his special sister, Marcella Straub.
He is survived by wife of 63 years, JoAnn; six children, Debbie Buhlinger of Owensville, Tricia Reel and husband Steve, Jeffrey Buhlinger and wife Dana, all of Gerald, Kevin Buhlinger of St. Louis, Laura Livell of Rosebud, and Shelly Wehmeyer and husband Phil of Jefferson City; thirteen grandchildren, Melissa Beste and husband Jeremy, Carrie Krupp and husband Adam, Jason Wenkel and wife Shannon, Kristina Pfister and husband Bill, Jessica Buhlinger, Justin Buhlinger and wife Amanda, Nick Buhlinger and fiancé Brittany, Anna Buhlinger, Allison and AJ Livell, Sydney and Mia Wehmeyer; sixteen great-grandchildren, Austin Mayberry and wife Kelia, Seth Mayberry and girlfriend Gracie, Olivia Beste, Khai and Kambria Krupp, Alexus Wenkel, Desi, Nic, and Datan Binkhoelter, Michael Cook, Charles and Iris Buhlinger, Mikayla and Maddy Kladky, Odin Buhlinger, and Adrianna Petford; brother, James Buhlinger and wife Sandy of St. James; sister, Sally Dowler of St. Louis; and multiple nieces and nephews and friends. Charles was most looking forward to the newest addition of his beautiful family, his first great-great -granddaughter, Brynlee Kay Mayberry expected to arrive in September. Family meant everything to Charles and his legacy will live on.
The funeral service will be held (today) Wednesday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Shane Jarvis officiating. Burial services will be at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery with full military honors Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Honor Flight Society of Franklin County or the VFW Post 6133 in Owensville. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home Owensville.
