Donald Joseph Buechler was born on June 17, 1950 in Pasco, WA.  He passed away at the age of 67 on October 28, 2017 after a brief illness.  Don was the third of nine children born to Pete and Helen Buechler.  He grew up in the Tri-Cities where he caused mischief and terrorized his siblings.  His antics as a youth lead to many years of reminiscing during family gathers.  On February of 1968, at the age of 16 he attended an event at the Rollerena in Richland, WA.  There, he met 14 year old Terry Hodgson.  In May of the same year he accompanied her to her Sophomore Homecoming.  When he picked her up, he was speechless and knew from then on,he was going to be with her forever.  Although Terry’s parents thought he was just a “Kennewick Hood,” they welcomed him into the family. Don and Terry got married on October 16, 1970, just after Terry’s high school graduation.  They had recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.  They welcomed their son, Dan on their 5th anniversary.  Four years later, they welcomed their daughter Tiki. Don embraced fatherhood and his children admired him for the love and humor he blanketed them in.  He was a constant support to them throughout the years and spent their childhood cheering them on during their sports events, acting as a quiet pillar during their difficult times and setting an example for them of what a good man was.  As they got older, he continued to drop everything for them when they needed their Dad/Papa.  He not only had his biological children but was Papa Don to the numerous children who were raised in his home through Terry’s daycare which they ran for 37 years.  Through the 100’s of children that became a part of their lives, many of the children remained family and forever held a place in Papa Don’s heart.  Don’s greatest accomplishment in life occurred when he became a grandfather to Vedder, Remy and Willa.  They were his constant joy and brought so much love to his life. He shared so many special moments during his short time with them.  Don started his professional career on Hanford Patrol in 1974 and left as a Major after 19 years.  He then remained at Hanford serving in many roles including HR for various contractors until his retirement. He also volunteered as the Chief Civil Service Commissioner for the City of West Richland for 29 years. He was recently awarded Citizen of Year by the West Richland Police Association for his many years of service.  He is survived by his wife, Terry Buechler, children, Dan Buechler and Tiki (Steven) Davis and grandchildren, Vedder, Remy and Willa Davis. He is also survived by his siblings Diane Moon, Paul (Jan) Buechler, Sue (Gary) Moyer, Neil Buechler (Karla  Shaw), Bill (Balinda) Buechler, Bev (Dave) Hamre and Ken (Debbie) Buechler.  He is also survived by his father in law, Richard Hodgson, many sister and brother in laws, numerous nieces and nephews and all of his other “kids”.  Preceding him in death are his parents, Pete and Helen Buechler, brother Robert Buechler, brother in law, Dennis Moon and mother in law, Lynn Hodgson. Funeral services will be at Christ the King Church on Friday November 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with a celebration of life immediately following at the church.