Wellner

Robert L. "Buddy" Wellner, 80, of Butler died Monday at Sunnyview Home after a short battle with cancer.

Born June 30, 1926, in Butler, he was the son of Albert Lawrence Wellner and Helen Marie Eichenlaub Wellner.

During World War II, he served in the Army's Air Force Unit.

He was a member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He also belonged to the American Legion Post 117 and the Century Club.

Mr. Wellner was a well-known drummer and a member of the American Federation of Musicians Union. He formed his own band when he was 16 and performed locally for decades with the Buddy Laconi and the Frank Sawhook orchestras. He was the original drum instructor for the Greenwood Robinettes, which was organized in 1958.

He retired as a analyst-accountant at Armco-Butler Works after 41 years.

Surviving are his wife, Norma H. Barnes Wellner, whom he married March 15, 1984; two daughters, Mrs. Jack (Marcia L.) Heinzer of Marietta, Ga., and Linda J. Wellner, M.D., of Sewickley; a son, Thomas L. Wellner of Corry, Erie County; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Linnette) Barto of Butler; two stepsons, Robert W. and Bruce E. Williamson, both of Butler; seven grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and 12 step-great- grandchildren.

He also is survived by a sister, Mae J. Engle of Fort Myers, Fla.; and a brother, Russell F. Wellner of Butler.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

<B>WELLNER </B>— Friends of Robert L. "Buddy" Wellner, who died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, will be received from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St.Services will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Dr. Alden Towberman officiating.A reception will follow at the church.Contributions may be made to St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, the American Legion or the Butler Public Library.Arrangements are by the <B>Young Funeral Home</B>, and information is available at www.youngfuneralhomes.com.