Jack Walter LaBuhn

Jack Walter LaBuhn, 86, passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Jack was born Oct. 9, 1929 in Glendale, Calif. to John Walter LaBuhn and Bernetta Marie Grodi LaBuhn. Jack married Wanda Belle Lee on Nov. 3, 1951 in San Antonio. 

He was a member of the Pearsall VFW Post 9195 and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dilley.    

Jack grew up in Trenton, Mich. and Glendale, Calif. As he came of age he worked as a stocker in a grocery store and caddied at local country clubs. Jack joined the USAF during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. 

He moved back to Michigan after the war and worked at a Chrysler plant. He did some construction work in Michigan, California and Arizona before he moved to San Antonio and went to work for AER Parts Distribution.

Jack worked for a San Antonio Ford dealership as a service writer working his way up to service manager. He retired in 1992, but decided to continue working as a test driver for Vehicular Testing Services “VTS” in Lytle and Pearsall. He also oversaw ranch operations on a private ranch in Pearsall.

Jack enjoyed watching the Spurs, Cowboys and his beloved Aggies on television. He was a tremendous sports fan and as a younger man had bowled two perfect games. Jack had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He took time to teach his young daughters how dance by letting them stand on his feet while he lovingly danced them through each step. 

Jack imparted a sense of duty, respect, honesty and the personal rewards of hard work to his children. He was proud of his children and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved and delighted in being their grandpa. 

Jack Walter LaBuhn is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Wanda LaBuhn of Gonzales; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna Joan and Angel Reyes of Austin, Debra Joyce and Charlie Aleman of Gonzales; sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen Charles LaBuhn of Spring Branch, Michael Walter and Carolyn LaBuhn of Goliad and Kevin Mark and Diane LaBuhn of Pearsall; sisters, Muriel Johnson of South Gate, Mich., Cheryl Benore of Newport, Mich.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Kathy LaBuhn of The Villages, Fla., David and Brenda LaBuhn of Lilburn, Geo.; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard Wayne LaBuhn; sister, Betty Carter and a brother, Richard LaBuhn.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 in Hurley Funeral Home in Pearsall.  Inurnment services will be held at 10:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26 in Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio. 

Friends may make memorials in honor of Jack LaBuhn to the charity of their choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales.