HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- Don V. Buelow Sr., 81, of Hot Springs died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009.

He was born July 26, 1927, at Dexter, Mo., to Albert J. and Mary F. Buelow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 11 days earlier by his wife of 58 years, Peggy R. Buelow.

Don retired from the U.S. Army as a sergeant major with 20 years of service, last stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Upon retiring to Hot Springs in 1968, he began his second government career with the U.S. Postal Service, where he served another 20 years, retiring as postmaster in Royal, Ark.

He was an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 2, obtaining the Order of the Arrow Award. He was a past member of the Lions Club.

He enjoyed taking his family to Lake Ouachita to ski and enjoy the outdoors.

While working full time at the post office, he earned an associate degree at Garland County Community College. He earned the status of Master Gardener conducted by the University of Arkansas, was a former pilot in his younger years and played fast-pitch softball for the U.S. Army during his military career.

During his retired years most of his time was spent with his granddaughters. He also enjoyed working in his yard or golfing with his buddies, but only after making sure his wife's needs were met and the church doors were not open.

He was an active deacon at First Baptist Church of Hot Springs, and a charter member of Hot Springs Baptist Church. He had been a church greeter, sang in the choir and volunteered on numerous committees. He was active in mission work, having gone to Israel, Honduras and Guatemala. He loved the Lord and his church family.

He is survived by two sons, Steve and wife Donna Buelow of Hope, Ark., Don V. Buelow Jr. and wife Tami of Hot Springs; three granddaughters, Erin Maneth and husband Jeff of Hope, Meredith Morgan and husband Nathan of Fayetteville, Ark., Ashly Buelow of Fayetteville; and two great-grandchildren, Carter and Ellie Maneth of Hope.

Also a brother, Charles and wife Pearl Buelow of Clinton Iowa; sisters, Margaret Buelow and Georgia and L.R. Burgfeld of Cape Girardeau, Barbara Rothweiler of St. Louis; and a brother, Marlin and Anna Buelow of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home chapel, with John McCallum officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jeff Maneth, Charles Padgham, Nathan Morgan, J.W. Rowe, Jerry Irby, Dick Wilkerson, Billy Ward and Bob Harwell.

Honorary pallbearers include Melvin Johnson, Dr. John Bond, the nursing staff at Advance Care Hospital (St. Joseph's), Liz Schlatterer, Don's Sunday school class and First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Baptist Church Building Fund in Hot Springs or Arkansas Hospice.

Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.