Paul Buhr

Paul Gerhard Buhr passed away unexpectedly on April 4th, 2022. Paul was born on November 29, 1952 in Goessel, KS to loving parents, Gerhard and Mildred Buhr, joining his two older brothers. His early childhood was spent in the close-knit Bethel College community in North Newton, KS where he attended elementary school and the Bethel College Mennonite Church.

In 1965, the family moved to Shawnee Mission, KS, and Paul continued his schooling at Hocker Grove Junior High School and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, graduating in 1971. While living in the Kansas City area, the family attended Rainbow Boulevard Mennonite Church. Paul held many jobs during his teenage years and early twenties: paper delivery, wheat harvest crew, and farm worker. He was keenly interested in cars, and owned quite a succession of them in various colors. Paul’s first profession was truck driver. He enjoyed driving tractor-trailers around the country for a time and had many interesting experiences.

Paul married Deanna Denney on September 22, 1990. They eventually settled in Goodland, KS. He spent most of his time at home with family when not working at the Iron Mueller grain elevator, or supplementing his income by staffing a local truck stop. Like his father, Paul was an avid sports fan and especially fond of his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He looked forward to watching televised games whenever he could, and often shared the joys and sorrows of the outcomes with friends and family. He particularly enjoyed watching his grandsons’ sports activities. Another activity he shared with his family was playing the drums, a skill he acquired as a teenager.

Preceding Paul in death were his parents and his wife Deanna, who passed away in 2019. He is survived by his two brothers, John (Vanessa) and Bruce (Meribeth). Paul and Deanna are survived by their children - Crystal (Jason) Garner of Hays, KS; Adam (Jacki) Waters of Goodland, KS; and Amanda Campbell of Hays, KS, and by their grandchildren - Blayn and Brysun Waters; Jonathan, Jeremy, Michael and Nicholas Garner; and Gabriel, Melody and Connor Campbell. Paul is also survived by his nephews and niece: Nathan, Vincent, Brian and Claire Buhr.