In Loving Memory

Thomas Benjamin Buche

Thomas Benjamin Buche, age 81, a lifetime resident of Springdale, WA passed away on

December 16, 2022 in Spokane due to complications of a fall.  Thomas was born on October 29, 1941 in Chewelah, WA the son of Fred and Deane (Ellis) Buche.

He was raised in Springdale on the family farm.  He attended school through the 9 ^th grade and then began working in the woods.  On Dec. 2, 1960, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Navy and service overseas on the U.S.S. Hornet.  He was an Aviation Support Equipment Mechanic and assisted in the capsule recovery on the Apollo 11 mission.  Thomas was honorably discharged on Dec. 1, 1964 and returned to Springdale.  Upon his return, Thomas was reintroduced to a longtime family friend Janet Gennett.  They began a courtship in Aug. of 1964 and exchanged vows on Mar. 6, 1965 in Valley, WA.  Together they farmed, raised a family and shared life for over 57 years.  Thomas continued to work in the woods driving log truck for the majority of his career.  He and Jan also worked the family homestead together which spanned from fields and farm equipment to hay crops and cows.  They raised four children, Ramona, Brian, Desiree and Randy.  Thomas worked alongside his son Randy, farming and driving log truck for several years until his retirement in 2011.  He and Jan then became parts runners to keep the logging enterprise in operation.  Thomas and Jan continued farming the homestead in retirement which gave purpose and productivity to their days.

Thomas had one hobby and that was work.  When he wasn't working, he was working.  At family gatherings and on the occasional family camping excursion, conversation often oriented around farming and his passion for log truck driving.  When he saw a tractor that had historic value or just needed a good home, Thomas would add it to his assortment of tractors and his collection of farm-ables.  He taught his values of hard work and to always do things right the first time… never half way to each of his children.  Thomas and his brother, Paul, cleared the property and prepped the ground for the Springdale Softball field.  He and Jan had a passion for the community, he worked tireless hours behind the scene giving back the community which he loved.

Thomas was preceded in death by two infant sons, Thomas Jr. and Baby Boy Buche; his grandson, Brandon Buche, siblings, Charles, Calvin, Bob, Gerald, Ernest, Fred, Paul and Ida, and his son-in-law, Rick Rainbolt.

He is survived by his wife; Janet "Jan" Buche, ; 4 children, Ramona Rainbolt, Brian Buche (Kelly), Desiree Sweeney (Rob), Randy Buche (Deanna); 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Emma Willis, Lena Bennett, and Frieda Jones; and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service for Mr. Thomas B. Buche will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Springdale High School Gynamsium. A luncheon will follow at the Camas Valley Grange in Springdale.  At the family attended graveside and vault interment, Thomas will be laid to rest beside his infant sons at the Springdale Cemetery.   Memorial contributions may be given to the Chewelah Post VFW Post 2047.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory in entrusted with the care and arrangements.