Vernon Ray Buhr, age 91, of Flatville, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 17, 1933, to George and Katherine (Schluter) Buhr.
He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal, Illinois, on January 28, 1934. He was confirmed in his faith on April 10, 1949, at St. John Lutheran Church by Pastor K.C. Meyer. His confirmation verse was Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
He graduated from Ogden High School on May 27, 1953, as Salutatorian of his class, where he was an active member of FFA. A lifelong farmer, he found purpose and joy working the land and serving his community. His dedication to farming was evident in the care he gave to every crop and animal, cultivating not only the land but also a legacy of hard work and tradition.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Robert, Harold, and John Buhr, and his nephew, David Buhr.
On March 17, 1963, he married Wilma Mae Hinrichs at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, Illinois, with whom he shared 62 years of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Together, they were blessed with four daughters: Leanne (Larry) Kaiser of St. Joseph, Linda (Matt) Smith of Ogden, Lynette (Allen) Cravens of Gifford, and Lonna (Chad) Pruitt of Urbana.
He was a proud and loving grandfather to 9 grandchildren. Dalton (Sophie) Smith, Lauren (Michael) Rice, Kate Smith (Brock Seymour), Lacey Kaiser, Tristan Cravens, Cole Pruitt, Makenna Cravens, Leah Pruitt, Landon Cravens. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
A devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal his entire life, Vernon served faithfully as trustee, deacon, and president of the church board in 1983. He also served many years on the Farmers Elevator Board and Champaign County Farm Bureau Board.
His hands, worn from a lifetime of tending soil, now rest, but his legacy will endure for generations. Remembered for his faith, dedication to family, strong work ethic, and service to his church and community, he has created a foundation for his loved ones that continues to touch lives.
Visitation will be from Sunday, August 10th, from 2-4 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. A funeral service will be held on Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, 203 Main St, Royal, IL 61871. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery and OSF Hospice.