Norman BuckwalterJr.

Norman R. Buckwalter Jr. of St. Johns, Michigan died on Monday, November 3, 2008 from complications due to throat cancer. "Buck", as he was widely known in Lansing, was the owner and manager of Buck's Auto Body for 40 years.

Norm is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce Buckwalter. The two met in Sarasota, Florida in 1962 on a "blind date". Norman and Joyce were married in 1963 in Sarasota and traveled together extensively. Together they raised four children and Joyce cared for him tirelessly in his final months. In addition to his wife, Norman is survived by his four children: his son, Norman R. (Karen) Buckwalter III and daughters, Elizabeth (Buddy) Howes,Mary (Michael Johnson) Buckwalter and Teresa (Joe Gonzalez) Buckwalter. Norman also has four grandchildren: Michael Buckwalter, Taylor Howes, Elizabeth Buclwatler-Johnson and Nicholas Buckwalter-Johnson. Norm is survived by all of his siblings including John Buckwalter of Fowlerville, MI, Joan Kolp of Oswego,NY, Mary Dexter of Littleton, CO, Christine Brosius of Littleton, CO, Kathy Wiggins of Littleton, CO and William Buckwalter of Conifer, CO.

"Buck" was born in Canton, Ohio in 1942 to parents Norman and Rosemary Buckwalter (Saxton). The family moved to Florida where Norman graduated from high school and began both college and working on cars. Mr. Buckwalter was a dedicated father, husband and business-owner. Always giving honest and quality service to his customers, he rarely missed a day of work. His strong work ethic resulted in seeing all of his four children through college. In addition to his passion for fixing cars, Norman enjoyed riding his motorcycle, boating, and trips out west to visit family. He never missed a family reunion in 40 years. A generous person, he was always willing to help out a friend or family member in need and did so often.

The family appreciated all of the phone calls, prayers, visits and cards from his extended family, friends and customers over the past eight months during his cancer treatment.

Visitation and viewing will be Thursday, November 6th from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns, Michigan. Join us to commemorate and celebrate his life on Friday, November 7th at Osgood Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M.