Francis Buell

In the early morning of December 18, 2024, Francis Warren Buell entered into the arms of his loving Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, after spending more than three years bravely fighting cancer. Born July 5, 1950, in Latrobe, PA, Frank was the son of the late Harry E. Buell, Sr. & Charlotte (Miller) Buell. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers (William Ernest, Kenneth Andrew, and Harry Edward, Jr.), his son-in-law (Paul Rogers), his grandson (Quinton Rogers) as well as other dearly loved family members. He is survived by his loving wife Linda Marie Schantz Buell of Walkersville, MD; his children Heather Weinstein (Michael) of Brunswick, MD, Ward Buell (Karrie) of Simpsonville, SC, and Sharon Platt (Russell) of Frederick, MD; and his grandchildren Allison, Naomi, Lillian, Lincoln, and Liam. He is also survived by his sisters Donna Corridoni (Alex) of Nowrytown, PA, Patty Greeves (Joseph) of Bethesda, MD, Sherri Curtis (Andrew) of Dayton, MD, and Tammy Buell of Frederick, MD as well as his sister-in-law, Lisa Harrison (Jim) of Ijamsville, MD, and many other in-laws, nieces, and nephews he held dear.

Frank was a loving and faithful husband and adoring father who lived his life for his family and put absolutely nothing above his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Anyone who knew him loved him. It was impossible to not love him.

During his childhood, Frank spent many happy years swimming in the river, being mischievous with his brothers and sisters, and acting as chief taste-tester for his mother’s delicious cooking. As an adult, Frank loved an occasion, transforming even the smallest daily experience to an unforgettable memory for those he loved. He enjoyed enhancing a space whether inside or outside. No one’s yard in the entire neighborhood looked better than Frank Buell’s yard (front and back). As a result of his many years of retail display experience and his inherent skill, Frank could take the most boring room and create a breathtaking sight to behold. He was a fun-loving husband, father, friend, and man of faith who loved to laugh, loved music (nothing trumped Motown), and danced circles around anyone at any event. He was just as comfortable on the dance floor as he was at home on the screened-in porch or at the kitchen table, savoring a cup of coffee (or four) with meaningful conversation while playing 500 Rummy. Anyone who knows Frank knows he would be victorious against any one of his family members (or accuse them of cheating). Frank was notorious for holding his cards and not playing anything until he was able to “plop, plop, plop” and “go out” on you. He was an avid animal-lover and held Sparkle, Tiger, Max, Butterscotch, Sparkle 2, Riley, Leah, Sinatra, and Copper close to his heart. As a man of faith, Frank was a member of Frederick Baptist Church for decades; throughout his time there, he served in the choir, catered for and decorated special events (his favorite was Christmas), and performed landscaping to keep the church grounds looking beautiful.

In true Buell fashion, Frank had an incredibly strong work ethic that was instilled by his mother and father. Frank held two jobs during his high school career at Bethesda Chevy Chase (BCC): a shoe salesman at Jelleff’s in Washington, D.C., and a cashier at People’s Drugstore in Bethesda, MD, from 1967-1968. After he graduated, Frank worked at his father’s company, Residential Engineering, for about a year before his father fired him for prioritizing a day in Ocean City with his girlfriend, Linda, over the job. Frank managed many divisions at Sears Roebuck & Company in Bethesda, MD from 1969-1983. During that time, he married Linda on February 27, 1971. Thus began an unforgettable journey of family and a lifetime of love. Frank then spent three years managing Radio Shack stores in Waynesboro, PA and Frederick, MD. He also worked with his brother and best friend, Ernie Buell, as the project manager for Ernie’s company, Buell Painting. The balance of his career was spent at SAMBA in Rockville, MD where he worked for over 30 years and formed many meaningful and long-lasting friendships. 

While we rejoice in knowing he is made perfect in Glory and at peace with his Saviour, reunited with his family he had been missing so much, there are no words to express the hole that is left in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. He will forever be remembered as the world’s best husband, Dad, and Pap.

Family and friends will be received at Stauffer Funeral Home (1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702) for all visitations and the funeral service. On Friday, January 3, 2025, the family is invited to a private viewing from 5:00-6:00 pm, and all are welcome for the visitation from 6:00-8:00 pm. On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the family is invited to a private viewing from 12:00-1:00 pm, and all are invited to the visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm and the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. Following the funeral service, a meal will be served for family and friends in Walkersville, MD. If you would like to make a donation in Frank’s name, please consider St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.