Frederick Buchta

Frederick William Buchta, 92 years of age formerly of Midland, passed away Thursday, October 11, 2012 in Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia. Mr. Buchta was born November 15, 1919 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Frederick Wilham Buchta and Regina Bentz Buchta. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Trexler Buchta; his son, Frederick W. Buchta, Jr.; and his daughter, Barbara Pearson House; his brother, Joseph Buchta; and his sisters, Margaret and Regina; and his daughter-in-law, Gayle Pearson. He moved to Midland in 1970 where he was elected the first councilman of Midland. He was head of the team to get the city chartered, a volunteer at Bethel School and worked with Little League Baseball for many years. After his enlistment in the Army, one of his duties was to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. This is where he met Queen Elizabeth as a young lady before she became queen. He served his country as a 1st Master Sergeant in the Army’s 83rd Infantry in Normandy where he was wounded twice. He received two purple hearts and a Bronze Star for his honorable service. He was very proud to fight for his country. Fred worked with the U. S. Postal Service as a postman for 36 years. After the death of his wife, he moved to Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia. He enjoyed the last 2½ years of his life where he was treated with honor and respect and loved by all. He made others feel special and he never met a stranger. A graveside service will be held at the Salisbury National Cemetery, Tuesday, October 16, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends after the service. Survivors include his son, Robert H. Pearson; his daughter, Shirley Pearson Bradley and son-in-law, Dr. Terry Skip Bradley; his sisters-in-law, Mary Gary and Delores Yountz of Lexington, N. C.; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Morningside Assisted Living, 2755 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Buchta family.