Eugene F. Bucher, 97, Wabash, died at 8:42 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Parkview Wabash Hospital. He was born June 9, 1918, in Fulton County, to John and Hattie (McIntire) Bucher.

Gene attended Laketon High School. He married Elizabeth Bouse in Syracuse, on August 10, 1940; she died July 23, 1986. He worked at General Tire in Wabash for 42 years, and was in charge of production of gas masks during WWII. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash. Gene was one of the founding members of the Wabash Cannonball Motorcycle Club, and was a motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. He spent his summers on Lake Chapman in Warsaw.

He is survived by five children: Larry (Chris) Bucher, Massillon, Ohio; David (Kristy) Bucher, Warsaw; Jane (Tim) Denney, Wabash; Ken (Charlyn) Bucher, Warsaw; Ted (Tuesday) Bucher, Wabash; ten grandchildren: Jennifer (Nick) Quartz, Massillon; Mandy (Tim) Hamza, Durango, Colo.; Deana (Emmitt) Glass, Fishers; Denise (Matt) Krebs, Wyoming, Mich.; Matt (Abby) Denney; and Justin (Melissa) Denney, both of Wabash; Don (Lawanda) Wertenberger, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Deana Eberly, Warsaw; Mallory (Dustin) Sanders, Roann; and Brady Bucher, Wabash; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and his sister: Betty Hamlin, North Manchester. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Daniel Bucher; and his grandson: Drew Denney.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, with Rev. Phil Lake officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-7 pm Friday, April 1, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Wabash County Historical Museum or Christ United Methodist Church.