NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas -- Ken Bucher died Friday, March 12, 2021, at his home in North Richland Hills.

Ken was born in Cape Girardeau to Albert and LaVera Bucher in 1943. He graduated from Kelly High School in Benton, Missouri, and was on the way to the U.S. Navy the day after graduation.

He served in the Navy from 1961 to 1981, achieving the rank of master chief petty officer (E-9). He served on four ships, three tours in Vietnam, as well as tours of duty in Iceland, Guam and several naval bases in the U.S. Ken received numerous awards during his military service, including Joint Service Accommodation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Following his retirement from active duty, Ken worked for several defense contractors before returning to the Department of the Navy as a civilian employee. During the next 16 years, he served at various military installations in the U.S., as well as overseas. Ken retired from Civil Service in August 1998 as the civilian supply officer (GS-13) of the Public Works Center at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He received many awards throughout his career including the Naval Superior Civilian Service Award.

In June 1972 Ken married Tien Thi Nguyen of Sadec, Vietnam, and later brought the love of his life to the U.S. Ken always said he was so fortunate to have found such a wonderful and beautiful wife, who never complained about the frequent locations. After retiring the second time, they relocated from Hawaii to Texas, where they purchased and managed a mail and shipping store for a couple of years before deciding to retire and relax.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terry; and daughters, Robyn and Le Hoa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Tien; daughters, Kelly Bucher of Georgia and Brandi Bucher of Watauga, Texas; sister, Vickie Bucher of Keller, Texas; and grandchildren, Bobbie, Jessica and Michael of Georgia.

Ken was laid to rest at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on March 25, 2021.

Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel & Cemetery was in charge of arrangements.