Kenneth A. Buch, Sr.

Kenneth A. Buch, age 91, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, passed away Sunday in the early afternoon of August 24, 2014. He was born July 13, 1923 in Keota, Iowa to the late William C. and Cathryn (Bohrofen) Buch. Kenneth was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Kenneth retired from the U.S. Army Material Command (DARCOM), was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village, the Sacred Hearts Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, and a WWII and Korean War veteran. Kenneth was a member of the Keota High School Track Team and ran the individual mile event. A passionate runner, he set the county record for the mile run, which held for many years. After High School graduation, Kenneth worked for the railroad and laid pipeline for several years. He joined the Air Force (Army Air Corp) in 1943, and trained as a mechanic on the P-38 Fighter and B-24 Bomber. He ultimately was assigned as Flight Engineer on a B-17 Bomber to serve in the European Theater. After the Japanese surrender, Kenneth spent a year in Japan as part of the Allied Occupation Forces and worked in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) as an Intelligence Specialist. After his military obligation ended, Kenneth transported automobiles out of Detroit for several years. His "truck driving days" held some of his fondest memories of his youth, and he often joked about returning to the road someday to drive tractor trailers (we believe mostly in jest, but were never quit sure). Kenneth joined the Army Reserves in 1948, which led to his reinstatement into the Army at the start of the Korean conflict. Kenneth was scheduled to deploy into a combat role in 1951. U.S. forces were in retreat with the Chinese invasion across the 38th parallel. Packed and ready to ship out, he was literally called out of the line to be reassigned as an Intelligence Officer. Kenneth often spoke about his grandparents, who raised him starting at age two. He believed his Grandmother's prayers were the reason why he was given another assignment during the Korean War. This event had a profound impact on his faith and reverence for his Grandmother Anna. Kenneth was an avid golfer during his life, and enjoyed his retirement years at the Village to golf with family and friends. He enjoyed watching golf tournaments, particularly the Majors, and relished being the "grill master" for our family cookouts. Always a stickler for detail, Kenneth often used a stopwatch to time his steaks to perfection! Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents and brother Herbert Buch. He is survived by his wife, Bennie (Batts) Buch; sons, William P. Buch (Janice) of West Virginia; Kenneth A. Buch, Jr. of Eureka Springs; Joseph S. Buch (Petra) of North Dakota; and Paul M. Buch (Amy) of Conway; grandchildren Kristen Buch Warren (Nick), Meghan, and Jennifer Buch all of South Carolina; Stephen, Nicholas, and Theresa all of North Dakota; Sarah and David Buch of West Virginia; and great-grandson, Aidan Warren of South Carolina. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 29th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in HSV with Father Bill Elser officiating. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.