Raymond H. Buscher, 87, of Aviston, died Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born August 4, 1921 in St. Rose, son of Bernard and Anna (Wermes) Buscher. He married Irene D. Fuhler November 14, 1945 in Aviston and she survives.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons, Michael (Marilyn) Buscher of Aviston, David Buscher of Nashville, TN and James Buscher of Aviston; three grandchildren, Gina (Bart) Blean, Byron Buscher, and Eric Buscher; four great-grandchildren, Mickinley, Brady, Bryar, and Piper Blean; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Catherine Buscher and Bernice "Becee" Foppe both of Aviston, Dorothy Buscher, Edna & Cyril "Tuffy" Markus, Cyril Athmer and Elmer "Buddy" Perkes all of Breese, Ralph & JoAnn Fuhler of Carlyle and Donald & Jane Fuhler of New Baden.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Stephanie Buscher; three brothers, Herman Buscher, John Buscher, Gregory Buscher; a sister, Regina Wesselmann; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank Wesselmann, Ray Foppe, Thelma "Timmy" Athmer, Jeanette Perkes, Viola "Ollie" & August "Gus" Wellen, Marie & Clarence Albers, Herman Joseph Fuhler, Jr. and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herman and Bertha Fuhler.

Mr. Buscher was a radio technician at Scott Air Force Base and retired in 1983. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was a member of St. Francis Parish in Aviston, a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 1239; he was a former volunteer fireman for the Aviston Fire Department and a former member of the Aviston BIB Club.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2009 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Rev. Patrick Peter officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2009 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. There will be a prayer service at 5 p.m. and the American Legion will visit at 7 p.m. all Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Aviston American Legion Post 1239 and will be received at the funeral home.