I was saddened to hear of the news of Jack's declining health and, of course, his passing. My time with Jack was brief and occurred on the little league baseball fields in Granite City and in other communities long before our high school days. In fact, he and I were teammates on the Eads Market Khoury League team coached by my dad, Vernal (Dutch), and lasted for several seasons.
Together we had good times, with Jack as the pitcher and me behind the plate.  His control of pitches, his skill in fielding and the positive attitude he always carried during our athletic endeavors was such a positive influence for all of us as teammates.  He always seemed to carry a smile on the field, a smile generated from within by the confidence he had in himself.  Often, my pitch signal-calling behind the plate would even cause him to smile while getting ready to make the next pitch from the mound.  Our favorite combo was a high inside fast ball followed by a low outside slider/curve.  It never failed….always a strikeout followed......again followed by another smile from Jack.
He was a great team mate, always a good sport, and he never failed to foster camaraderie. I think the explanation for this is because of the support he received from his mom and dad who attended and cheered during just about every game we played together.  I also believe the support and guidance he received from them was a major reason Jack succeeded in life as he did. I was heartened to read the beautiful memorials written by many of his friends who were lucky enough to have enjoyed time with Jack and his family throughout his later years. I wish I had been able to do so.
I send my prayers and blessings to his family and friends who were able to share their life and love with Jack.


Mike, Brooke, Tim, Danielle, Morgan and Sienna, although we are unable to be with you, we are present in thought and spirit.   Fond memories of the Buente Family gatherings are something that is not forgotten.  Both Mike and Danielle grew up sharing our family gatherings; Thanksgiving at Grandma's House, 2119 Cleveland where we served the same menu Grandma did followed by laughter and playing cards.   Jack will always be in our thoughts and memories of family.

Jack was a good friend to me & my family for over 60 years.  Jack  & I went to Granite City High School, and  we both played on the basketball team.  Jack was a very good 3 point shooter before it was a 3 point shot.  Jack was an outstanding baseball pitcher, & he threw a one hitter against Madison High School.  Jack was a friend who sent Christmas cards every year, & he called me to keep in touch.  My wife, Ruth, & I went with Jack  & Doloris to our 20th  & 25th class reunions.  We enjoyed these reunions very much.  Jack would pick us up at the St. Louis  Airport & invite us to stay with them in Belleville.  Jack & his famliy visited us in Morgantown, West Virginia, where we live.  We went to the county fair where Ruth won prizes for Mike & Danielle at a shooting range.  She was an excellent shooter, & she made the kids happy with the prizes she received.  Jack loved his family.  He would talk about Mike & Danielle, and I know he was very proud of them.  Jack & Doloris were blessed with over 50 years of marriage.  Jack had a good life, & he knew how to have a good time.  He will be missed very much.  Jack's great smile will always be remembered.   We loved Jack Buente  and wish we could have spent more time with him.    

Dear Mike, Danielle, Tim, Brook, Morgan, Sienna, Bob, Tina and family,

We are truly saddened by the loss of our dearest friend, Jack.  I knew Jack when he started with Standard Oil, an eager trainee with a flat top.  As Roy Rubel always said:  Jack was hired because he knew more about the sports page than Augie Bettman, the trainer.

We valued Jack and Delores friendship and the many trips we took to Las Vegas, on cruises, U of I football games, and our annual trip to Keeneland with Gib and Bettye Lou.  Jack would stay up all night handicapping each race so we would hopefully win money the next day.

Jack always kept me up to date on Edwardsville basketball.  One or our highlights with Jack was going to Fairmont to feed his race horse, Stormy Pacific, carrots.  He was so proud.

We will miss his humor, his sports updates, and hearing about his family of which he was extremely proud.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.

Marv and Anne Russell

Mike and Danielle,

We were so sorry to hear of Jack's passing.  I saw him only a couple of weeks ago at The Colonnades and had a nice conversation with him.

We had many fun times with both Jack and Delores.  Of course, sharing lots of baseball games through the  Khoury League and Bomber years, but also card playing evenings, a visit to Black River and playing washers, volleyball games, New Year's Eve celebrations, etc.  Lots of fun and many laughs.

It was our pleasure to know your parents and both of you.  Please accept our most sincere condolences.  Now your parents are together again and no doubt watching over your families with  love and smiles.

Love,

Dennis & Denise

Dear Michael, (Brooke) Danielle, Tim, (Morgan & Sienna) and Bob, Tina & Family,
I do not know how to say how sorry I am to loose my dearest friend as I fondly recall all of the great times I have had with Jack, Dolores and you guys.  I knew Jack for 45 years and his adventures were world renown and his zest for life was contagious.  He was so much fun to be around as you never knew what was coming next. His devotion to Dolores and family was second to none; you guys always came first and that is why he would never leave Belleville area for an Amoco promotion.
His competitive nature drove his results with Amoco and was also present if he was playing ping pong or shooting horse or volleyball down at Black River Lodge.  I can only recall one time that he was "asked" to leave the Black-Jack table in Vegas when he scolded the "third base" player for not taking a hit as was required by proper etiquette of the game. 
He was so proud of his kids and brother as he often told me but said he probably should tell them more often; but then Jack would say: " I don't want them to get a big head"!  
I cried and I smiled and I will sit back and fondly remember so many memories of Jack in my life.
God Bless this good good man and keep him in a high place as he now looks down upon us from "upstairs" and is now playing Jeopardy with Dolores.
I miss you my friend!!

Dear Mike, Danielle and Tim and Kids:

I know you are feeling the pain of losing your Dad and Grandfather. As I've shared with Danielle, Jack was one-of-a-kind. You just don't meet many people like Jack during your life; and you are thankful when you do.

I first met Jack in 1989 when Debi and I first arrived in St. Louis. You get to know a person like Jack fast, because he is so open and honest. I quickly became aware of his love for his family and how proud he was of you. He would provide regular updates on your lives; beaming as he did so. And when the grand kids arrived, his pride went up another notch. 

Jack was a character. We need more characters like him in this world. Besides his family, he loved the University of Illinois, Cardinal baseball, Ram's football, horse racing and any other activity that resembled a sport. I recall that he and Delores played volleyball; and listened to many stories of a guy who left it all on the court. Don't ever tell Jack Buente that he couldn't  do something. He would die trying in order to prove you wrong.  

Jack was a competitor. He always wanted to be the best. His customers loved him. Year-after-year, he always got the best business results. Jack had a great sense of what was right vs. wrong and fair play. He wasn't afraid to speak up; even if by doing so might have been risky. Jack was always enthusiastic. He was the cheerleader who made people around him better.  Jack could spend 15 minutes with you and learn your life. He never forgot any detail and would always inquire about things you shared with him; even if it was years later. He truly cared for people. Everyone loved Jack Buente.  

Jack and Delores were a great couple. We went on many Amoco trips with them and they were usually at the center of the fun. Jack loved the trips to Las Vegas in particular. I think he was in his element. 

Jack lived a wonderful life. What a great legacy he created through you.       

Gordon Hankey 

What a sweet, thoughtful, and caring man.  Happy memories of Gordon and I with our children (and Jack) at a St. Louis Cardinal's baseball game . . . Jack's patience and knowledge teaching our youngest how to fill out a score card, and diving into the stands (literally) to catch a baseball to take home.   Jack and Delores will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Jack was "Special."  The more I got to know him the more Special he became.  His wit, charm, intelligence and humor carried him well.  He was always positive and inspiring.  Never heard him say anything negative about anyone.

I didn't know about his election into the Hall of Fame but it isn't surprising.

May you R.I.P. knowing you made a difference in many lives.

Rest In Peace Jack. Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family. I will always fondly remember the time we shared at Amoco.

Very sorry to hear of Jack's passing.  Jack was one of the first people we got to know when we moved to the Orchards back in 2005.  He and I served on the HOA Finance Committee together and he was a regular at our backyard golf outings -- summer and winter.   Always fun to be around.   He was also a great ambassador for the game of golf when he marshaled the Orchards golf course -- oftentimes delivering drinks to golfers from his personal golf car.    A true asset to the community who will be missed.   Debbie and I send our condolences to Jack's family.     Fred Cavese, Rockledge, Florida

OBITUARY

John W. Buente

January 9, 1941 – June 19, 2018

Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services