Willard Francis Buss

Willard Francis “Willie” Buss, 92, a lifelong resident of Apple Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 in the arms of his beloved wife, Leota after a period of declining health.

He was born Oct. 18, 1927 in Apple Creek and was the oldest of Clyde M. and Estella S. (Harter) Buss’s twin boys.  He graduated from Apple Creek High School in 1946 and on Sept. 2, 1949 he married the former Leota M. Christman and they recently celebrated their seventieth anniversary.  Together he and Leota built a wonderful life that centered around family, community and God.  He had been a lifetime farmer and had retired from Euclid Spiral Paper Tube after 15 years of service.  Willie had worked various other jobs including having worked construction for Mike Harter and Virgil Flory, drove bus for Southeast Local, worked for Friendly Wholesale, sold and serviced Surge milking machines and serviced vending machines.  After he retired from milking cows, he worked for Shasta Motor Homes as a salesman which allowed him to travel and meet many people.  In his retirement he transported Amish and made many friends.  Willie was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ all of his life where he had served as a Deacon and Elder for 21 years and was known as the veggie man for funeral dinners.   In the Apple Creek Community he served on the Fire Dept. for over 20 years, served on the Cemetery Board for 14 years, was a member of the Apple Creek Historical Society and was a 66 year member of the Odd Fellows Lodge.  He was proud to have completed in 1984 a housing allotment on Villard and Mill Streets that consists of 21 lots.  Willie had also served on the Wayne County Children’s Service Board and the Election Board.  For 12 years he raced Thoroughbred Race Horses which was a great enjoyment as was the many trips he and Leota took over the years.  His greatest love was his family and he will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Leota ; his children and their spouses, Susie Steiner of Cincinnati, Linda and Bob Hartsell of Apple Creek, Mike and Susan Buss of Apple Creek and Scott and Pam Buss of Springfield; his grandchildren that he was most proud of, John Steiner, Leigh (Ted) Jewell, David Steiner, Lindsey (Gary) Heib, Heather (Erich) Riebe, Holly (Beau) Mastrine, Heidi (Adam) Hostettler, Nick Buss, Tony Buss, Amber (Will) Gilcrist and Chelsea (Jeff) Roberts; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ann Buss and Gerry Buss both of Apple Creek and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Lucile, his older brother Harold, his twin brother, Weldon and his son-in-law, Rev. Stephen Steiner.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Nov. 9th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 68 W. Main St., in Apple Creek with Rev. Joanna Lance officiating. Friends will be received from 9:30 until time of services at the church.  Tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, PO Box 205, Apple Creek or to Apple Creek Historical Society, PO Box 6, Apple Creek, OH 44606.

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