John R. Buckwalter

John R. Buckwalter, 88, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA, after a brief illness. He was born on Feb. 12, 1938, in Lancaster, PA, to the late Ira and Pauline Rohrer Buckwalter and grew up in the village of Intercourse. He was the loving husband of Miriam Weaver Buckwalter for nearly 68 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and their wives: Richard, married to Ann Rutt, Lancaster; Timothy, married to Andrea Brown, Lancaster; and Robert, married to Tracey Gilbert, New York City; two grandchildren: Zoe Buckwalter, Philadelphia, and Torian Buckwalter, Lancaster; a brother, Henry, married to Millie, Lancaster; and a sister, Marian, Lititz.

He was predeceased by an infant brother, Ira Lee; a sister, Elaine Stoner, and her husband, Gerald; and a foster brother, Jacob Ober, and his wife, Miriam.

John fully retired at age 75 in June of 2013 after 10 years in the gift planning office of Landis Homes Retirement Community, the last five years part-time. He remained active in various areas of volunteer work at Landis Homes, as well as with several other charitable organizations. During his semi-retirement, he also worked part-time as a tour guide at the Landis Valley Farm Museum.

Prior to his work at Landis Homes, John served for 20 years as a representative for Mennonite Mutual Aid and Mennonite Foundation, both now part of Everence.

John and Miriam met as students at Lancaster Mennonite School. After their marriage in 1958, they moved to New York City and completed two years of Mennonite Voluntary Service, then remained in New York for another 17 years. During that time, John was employed by several private health care centers as a licensed X-Ray technologist, having received his training at New York University. He also worked for four years as assistant manager and dispatcher for a citywide private car service owned by a friend.

While living in New York, John and his family participated in various Mennonite Church programs, and he served on the founding board of Camp Deerpark, Westbrookville, NY, owned and operated by the New York City Mennonite churches.

After returning to Lancaster County in 1977, John remained involved with Camp Deerpark and also served on several other boards, including those of the former Millersville Youth Village and Goodville Mutual Casualty Company. He was a longtime member of Witmer Heights Mennonite Church, Smoketown.

John enjoyed woodworking and he applied his skills and time to many family and charitable projects, including the building of the Little Free Library of Leaman Woods on the Landis Homes campus. Also at Landis Homes, he participated in the Grand Pal Program, served on the planning committee for the Monday morning men’s breakfast and operated trains for the Garden Railroad. Each spring and fall since 2006, John took several courses offered by the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning at Landis Homes.

Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two loving grandchildren.

John believed in the sacred worth of every person and approached life with faith, humility, a positive spirit and a quiet strength that sustained him in difficult times. He modeled unconditional love to his family and kindness and respect to all.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, in West Bethany Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA. Reception will follow in the Westview Community Room.

Contributions in John’s memory may be sent to Landis Homes in support of the Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543, or Camp Deerpark, P.O. Box 394, Westbrookville, NY 12785.

The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is serving the Buckwalter family. Online condolences and memories may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.