Elmer O. Buhs, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Ancell, son of George and Mary Weidifeld Buhs. He and Betty Kilhafner were married Oct. 27, 1956, in Cape Girardeau.

Buhs served in the U.S. Navy 22 years, which included service in the Korean conflict, Vietnam War, and as part of the first Nuclear Power Task Force on its first tour around the world.

He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral, Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Buhs of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Steven Buhs and wife Maggie of Cape Girardeau, Michael Buhs of Hawaii; a daughter, Susan Davis and husband Randy of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Ray Buhs and wife Evelyn of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Meg Davis, Rick Davis and wife Jill, Rob Davis, Michael Buhs and wife Meghan, and Betty Buhs; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Anna Buhs.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. An Elks service will be held at 7, followed by parish prayers.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, with military honors conducted by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice.