Jon Arthur Bucher

Jon Arthur Bucher, born on April 19, 1941, in Lincoln, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home in Searcy, Arkansas, on December 24, 2024. He was the eldest of seven siblings born to Jonn Orris Bucher and Marguerite Marie Roy Bucher, both of whom preceded him in death. Jon was a devoted brother to Samuel (deceased), Duane (Ed) (deceased), Dan, Neida Dunn (deceased), Susie Grimes (deceased), and Jim. Jon shared the last 31 years with the love of his life: Susan Ann Compton Bucher. Jon is survived by his loving family, including his children Renee Bucher Clemmons and her husband Mark (Heber Springs, AR), Amy Bucher Manley and her husband Gordon (Fort Smith, AR), and Jon Aric Bucher (deceased), stepchildren Julie Vodehnal McLaughlin and her husband Ron (Searcy, AR), Desi Vodehnal Harmon and her husband Mark (New Port Richey, FL), and Tyler Vodehnal and his wife Christy (Prairie Grove, AR), among ten beloved grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A graduate of Arkansas City High School (class of 1959) and ASU-Beebe, where he earned an A.S. in Computer Technology, Jon also served his country proudly in the Kansas National Guard. His career included time with John Morrell, Colonial Life, Walmart Distribution, KWCK Radio, and Hewlett-Packard, where he retired in 2011. Jon's faith and service were at the core of his life as a devoted St. Paul Global Methodist Church member. He served as a lay leader, young adult mentor, choir member, and finance committee chairman. Jon’s passion for magic touched countless lives. A lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Jon won the International Close-Up Magic competition in 1975 and was honored with the Order of Merlin for over 50 years of membership. He performed extensively, from church events and community shows to TV’s Theater of Magic and the film Mindreader. As a teacher, Jon inspired students in magic classes and at organizations such as Kids Unlimited. Jon was also a gifted actor and storyteller, beloved for his roles with the Performing Arts Center on the Square (PACOTS) and Searcy Summer Dinner Theater. His talent, humor, and dedication to the arts enriched his community. Jon’s life was deeply rooted in relationships. Beyond his immediate family, he was blessed with a vibrant magic family, a supportive church family, a creative theater family, and a dedicated teacher family. Each group reflected a unique part of his life and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Whether performing on stage, sharing his faith, teaching others, or simply spending time with loved ones, Jon brought warmth, wisdom, and joy to everyone he encountered. Surrounded by those who cherished him, Jon’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and faith. All who knew him will deeply miss his warm smile, generous spirit, and impish sense of humor. Services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Paul Global Methodist Church. A celebration of life will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to St. Paul Global Methodist Church in Jon’s memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Jon Arthur Bucher

April 19, 1941 - December 24, 2024