John Fred Buehler was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 23, 1923. He was the eldest child of Fred and Martha Buehler. His siblings are Fred, Ruth, William, Robley, Albert and Thomas. As a young man, John played baseball on a minor league farm team. Soon after, he joined the Navy and served during WWII.

Later John met Martha Crouch who became his wife. Together they raised four children; Edward, Linda, Sandra and Mark. Martha was contacted by Jehovah's Witnesses in the door to door ministry during the late 1950's and began studying the Bible. Later John agreed to attend the annual memorial of Christ's death. He loved what he heard so much that he never stopped attending meetings. At first, he would come to the meetings in his baseball uniform and change into a suit in the men's rest room. By February 1960, John and Martha became dedicated and were baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses - beginning their lifetime of faithful service to Jehovah. John served as a Ministerial Servant supporting the congregation with his willing, helpful spirit.

John enjoyed umpiring for youth softball teams. He also loved the outdoors as well as animals. One of his beloved pets was a dog named Smokey, who he affectionately referred to as Smoke.

John always had a smile and warm greeting for everyone, but what many remember most about him was his love of the preaching work and his desire to talk to all he met about God's promises. He had a genuine love of people and the Bible which motivated him to speak boldly about the truths he held dear. John was even able to hand out jw.org contact cards to the staff at the stroke rehabilitation center. Prior to his massive stroke, he lived life to the fullest, stayed active, positive and dedicated to Jehovah. He displayed integrity until the end.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!

Song 144 (2 Cor 4:18, Isa. 11:6-9; 35:5-7; John 11:24)

When the eyes of blind ones see again And the ears of deaf ones hear again, When the songs of children fill the air And joy and peace are ev'rywhere, When our loved ones will return to life, To an earth that's free from sin and strife, (CHORUS)

You will see how God these things supplies, If you keep your eyes on the prize.

When the wolves and lambs will feed as one, When the bears and calves bask in the sun, Then a mere young boy will lead them all, And they will heed his childish call. When our tears belong to yesterday, When our fears and pain have passed away, (CHORUS