Dr. William Buehler

Dr. William Wagner Buehler, a 1943 graduate of San Pedro High, died April 15 , 2010 in Tampa, FL. Buehler joined the U.S. Navy after high school and married his high school sweetheart, Marlyn Irene Gibson (daughter of former city councilman John S. Gibson, Jr.) on November 2, 1945. Under a WWII education program Buehler obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. After WWII he returned to San Pedro, earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California, and owned and operated Coover's Pharmacy at 9th and Myler for 11 years. During these years his six children were born. While working full time, Buehler obtained his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. In 1960, after completing seminary, Buehler sold his pharmacy and moved his wife and six children to Switzerland, where he studied at the University of Basel. In 1964, Dr. Buehler graduated magna cum laude with the doctor of theology degree, major in New Testament. He was the last American to defend his doctoral dissertation before world-renowned theologian Karl Barth. Dr. Buehler was Professor of Biblical Studies and Department Chair at Barrington College in Barrington, RI, 1964-1981, and at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, 1981-1993. A member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Society of Biblical Literature, Dr. Buehler was named Emeritus Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies by Gordon College in 1994. A distinguished scholar who believed in the healing power of Jesus Christ, Dr. Buehler was passionate about communicating this message to students. Dr. Buehler was preceded in death by his brother, John Harold Buehler; and his son, John Harold Buehler II. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlyn Irene; and five children, Susan Harvard of PA, George Buehler of CA, Marlie Buehler of NY, Rebecca Kohler (Geoffrey) and Laurie Buehler of FL; and by five grandchildren, two grandsons-in-law, four great grandchildren, and his sister, Mary Buehler Jones (John) of San Pedro. A memorial service will be held May 22, 2010 at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL. For further information see www.williambuehler.wordpress.com, or call 813-286-7734. Donations may be sent to Abundant Waters, 400 West 43rd Street, #36G, New York, New York 10036, a not-for-profit after school program for underprivileged children founded and operated by Marlie Buehler. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.