Col. Norman E. Buescher, USAF-Ret., age 78, of Hondo, went to be with the Lord Friday, December 3, 2010, after a brief illness. He was at home surrounded by family and friends, joking and telling stories to the end. He was born January 6, 1932, in McAllen to Mae Walker Tansey and Norman Earl Buescher, Sr. He attended school in McAllen, graduating scholastically at the top of his class from McAllen High School where he was elected president of each of his classes. He attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. He entered flying training (primary) at Columbus AFB, MS, in January 1954 and graduated from basic at Vance AFB, OK, December 1954. He then transitioned to four-engine aircraft (B-29) at Randolph AFB. In May 1955, he was assigned to the 960 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, Otis AFB, MA, where he flew EC-121 aircraft until his release from active duty in 1958. Col. Buescher joined the Air Force Reserve at Kelly AFB in 1965 as a squadron pilot, 68th TAS, flying C199s. He became an Air Reserve Technician in August, 1968 and Commander of the 68th TAS in 1972. He assumed command of the Air Force Reserve's only weather reconnaissance group, the 920th Weather Reconnaissance Group (AFRES), on August 15, 1981, at Keesler AFB, MS. His colleagues remember that they always had great laughs with Norman and that together, they flew safely and had record mission successes. They also remembered fondly the Sunday morning assemblies and how they could always count on Norman for an interesting and fun meeting. He was a long-time member of the Masons and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hondo. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nancy Ann Buescher. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy Schuehle Buescher; sons: Norman Mark Buescher and wife, Beate of Bulverde; Howard Gregg Buescher and wife, Lisa of Cicero, IN; and Hunter Buescher and wife, Victoria of Portland, TX; daughters, Anna Moffitt Buescher Eatmon and husband, Greg of Amelia, VA, and Kelly B. Moughon and husband, Lee Roy of Hondo; 18 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Funeral service was Dec. 8 at First United Methodist Church in Hondo. Burial with full military honors was in Hondo Cemetery, Woodmen of the World Section. The family suggests that memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Hondo memorial fund or a charity of one's choice.