Gordon in the News: last updated 04/20/2010
Dr. William W. Buehler of Tampa, Florida, emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies at Gordon, passed away early in the morning of April 15, surrounded by his family.
Born January 5, 1926, in Reading, Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Navy, had an 11-year career as a pharmacist, and graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 1960 he and his family moved to Switzerland, where he studied theology at the University of Basel. Dr. Buehler was the last American student to defend his doctoral dissertation before Karl Barth. He was the first recipient of the Terrelle B. Crum Chair of Humanities.
He joined the Barrington College faculty in 1964 and taught in the Biblical Studies Department until 1981, when he was recruited by Gordon College. After Gordon and Barrington merged in 1985, bringing many Barrington faculty to Gordon, Buehler was reunited with two longtime friends, fellow Bible professors Roger Green and Marvin Wilson. At Commencement 2004 a photo of the three men (taken by his grandson, Sam Kohler) marked an historic milestone: their combined service to both colleges had reached the 100-year mark.
Dr. Buehler taught New Testament and Greek, and related courses such as Romans and Galatians, and Corinthian Correspondence. He received the Faculty of the Year Award at both Barrington and Gordon. He was a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Society of Biblical Literature, and was named emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies by Gordon College in 1994.
Before coming to Gordon, Dr. Buehler and his family were longtime members of Barrington Baptist Church in Barrington, Rhode Island.
Dr. Roger Green says of him: "He was a loving husband and father, and a wonderful friend to me and to Marv Wilson for many years. We will miss him greatly but know with perfect faith that he has gone to be with his Lord, Whom he served so faithfully while he was with us."
Dr. Buehler was preceded in death by his only brother, John Harold Buehler and by his son John Harold Buehler II. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlyn Irene, and five children: Susan Harvard of Pennsylvania; George Buehler of California; Marlie Buehler of New York; Rebecca Kohler (Geoffrey) and Laurie Buehler of Florida. He is also survived by five grandchildren, two grandsons-in-law, four great-grandchildren, and by his sister, Mary Buehler Jones.
Information regarding Dr. Buehler's memorial service May 22 is available at http://williambuehler.wordpress.com/ . Comments, memories and stories may also be posted there.
Photo of Bill and Marlyn Buehler courtesy of Sam Kohler
