A funeral Mass for Deacon Thomas A. Buhr Sr. was held March 25 at St. Joseph Church in Manchester. Deacon Buhr died March 23. He was 78.
Born in St. Louis, Deacon Buhr was ordained by Archbishop John L. May in 1992. He served at two parishes in St. Louis — St. Francis de Sales then St. Pius V — until retiring in 2008. At the parishes, he performed the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending funerals, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion Services when needed, performing baptisms, conducting Benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross. He also worked extensively in RCIA programs, as a PSR catechist, at Teens Encounter Christ retreats, in the ACTS retreat program and with those petitioning for a marriage annulment.
Tom married Sharon Ethelee (Thompson) Buhr on Dec. 26, 1958. They were blessed with nine children: Michelle Foster; Thomas Anthony Buhr, Jr.; Stacy Zancana; Stephanie Loiacono; Nancee Hook; John Buhr; Chrissie Dattoli; Donesha Buhr, and Daphney Buhr; along with 23 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In addition, Tom and Sharon fostered more than 250 children over 30 years of service, adopting four of those children.
Burial was in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in south St. Louis.
