MITCHELL – Philip Wayne Buher, 71, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Born January 8, 1954, in Bedford, he was the son of Kenneth E. and Joan (Smith) Buher.
Phil was a 1972 graduate of Mitchell High School and retired from CSX Railroad. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 334 in Sumner, Illinois. He was a true jack of all trades and master of them all, he lived a life full of hard work, adventure, and determination. He spent many years tending his farm, raising cattle and horses, and cutting hay—work that he took great pride in. Over the years, he built a remarkable career, from working and retiring from the railroad, to physical therapy, to laying fiber optic cable with his son. Whatever the job, he gave it his all.
Beyond work, he lived life on the edge and embraced adventure. Flying was one of his greatest joys, especially piloting planes and helicopters with his brother Ned. Together, they traveled the skies across the country, creating countless memories. He also loved the outdoors—whether it was hunting in the woods, fishing in quiet waters, or heading to Wyoming’s mountains and Florida’s deep seas to chase big catches, including sharks.
What made him truly unforgettable was his quick wit and sense of humor that could light up any room. He loved his children with all of his heart, and to them, he wasn’t just a father—he was Superman. Whether on the farm, at home, or out on an adventure, you could always find him with his coffee cup in hand, ready to face the day. To those who knew him—whether family or not—he was simply “Paw,” a name that carried both love and respect, and a legacy that will live on in the stories and memories he left behind.
Above all, he will be remembered for his love of life and for his family, his fearless spirit, and the many lives he touched along the way.
Surviving are his children, Zachary Wayne (Brandi) Buher of Mitchell and Chelsea Ann (Chase) Kistler of Powell, Wyoming; mother, Joan Smith Buher of Mitchell; life partner, Renee Quinn of Bedford; her children, Jake (Kendalyn) Sowders of Bedford and Molly (Ricky) Wells of Bedford; grandson, Colton Lane Cobb; brother, Thomas E. (Ruth Ann) Buher of Florida; their children, John (Melissa) Buher, Tommy (Christy) Buher, JR (Tiffany) Buher, and Jeremy Buher; and sister, Patrice J. Buher of Bedford; sister-in-law, Kim Buher of Chandler, Arizona; her children, Preslee and Preston Buher; and great nephew, Wyatt Buher.
His father, Kenneth E. Buher and brother, Ned K. Buher, preceded him in death.
Funeral service will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 8, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with a memorial service conducted by Mitchell Masonic Lodge No. 228 F.&A.M. Cremation will follow.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home.
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