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The Rev. John P. Buchheister Sr. 87, a retired Elder, died Dec. 8, 2012, of cardiac failure. The RFev.Rod Miller officiated at a Memorial Service Dec. 14 at Towson UMC.

 John Paul Buchheister was born Sept. 13, 1925, in Baltimore, the son of Harry Buchheister, a chocolate candy and taffy confectioner. He grew up on Wilkens Avenue in Violetville and was a 1943 graduate of Polytechnic Institute, where he was quarterback of the school's football team.

He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and was sent to the University of North Carolina for preflight school. There he played on the school’s football and lacrosse teams. After discharge he attended what was then Westminster Theological Seminary, now Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Buchheister began his 40-year ministerial career in 1951 in Susquehanna (EUB). In 1956 he was appointed to Perry Hall where he built a new church; and in 1964 to Westminster UMC. He remained at the historic church, near where Francis Asbury preached in the Union Meeting House, until 1971, through the merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist churches to become The United Methodist Church in 1968

He was known as a gifted singer and in 1956 led the singing at a Methodist youth meeting sponsored by the Temperance League of Maryland and Delaware.

“The late 1960s brought forth many difficult changes and challenges in our nation,” wrote Kevin Dayhoff in the Baltimore Sun, “and certainly here in Carroll County. Throughout this period, the reverend represented a stability that was much needed, and his influence as a community leader extended far beyond his title as spiritual leader of a local church.”

In 1971, Buchheister was appointed to Loch Raven UMC where he stayed until he was appointed as superintendent of the Washington West District in 1979. A year later, he was moved to the Baltimore Southwest District. In 1984, he began serving Grace UMC in Baltimore where he developed a ministry to people with HIV/AIDS. He retired in 1991 and became active in Towson UMC, especially enjoying singing in the choir.

Buchheister served on the board of Baltimore Goodwill for 25 years. He also served on the Billy Graham Crusade Committee and represented The United Methodist Church when Pope John Paul II visited Washington.

“He led by example, thought, word and deed,” Dayhoff said.”Many of the important things in our community (Westminster),that sustain us to this day, may be traced back to the Rev. Buchheister's teachings and approaches during the 1960s.”

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Pierrott; a son, John Paul Buchheister Jr. of Hampstead; three daughters, Mary Claire Holmes of Denton, Robin Paula Schaan of Sembach, Germany, and Annette Blair Young of Edgemere; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Mary Buchheister, 8810 Walther Blvd., Apt. 1230, Baltimore, MD 21234-5723.