Biography:

 Chief Master Sgt. John D. Wurm, 68 of Bucyrus passed away on Sunday Nov. 23, 2014 at the Hospice House in Ashland, he had battled cancer for the past 15 years.  John was born June 2, 1946 in Bucyrus to the late Albert A. and Hazel (Bigler) Wurm.  He was married Jan. 27, 1968 to Debbie (Means) Wurm, who he adored, she survives.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother and sister in law Jim and Betty Wurm, grandson Clay Stewart and sister in law Ramona Wurm.

John is also survived by son Jason of Las Vegas, NV and daughter DeAnna (John) Hayes of Bucyrus; grandchildren D’Lainie (Joe) Tate of Bucyrus and Andy Wurm of Las Vegas; great grandchildren Daina, Joseph, and Jason Tate all of Bucyrus; sisters Betty (Norman) Haldeman; Dolly (Joel) Butterman, both of Bucyrus; Julie (Doug) Gatchell of Santa Ana, CA; Joyce (Tom) Fleury, Murrysville, Patty (Mike) Burling, Bucyrus; Brenda (Kenny) Lawson, Bucyrus; brother Charles Wurm of Bucyrus; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1964 and soon after joined the Air Force where he served for 26 years.  He was stationed in Blyville, AL, Vietnam, San Bernadino, CA where he met his wife, Ohio, Panama Canal, Panama City, FL, Chanute, ILL, and last at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas where he retired from in 1990 after 29 years.  John moved back the Bucyrus in April 2013 to be closer to his family.  John was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with 7 oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 5 oak leaf clusters, USAF Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

John was very innovative and received recognition for his inventions as well as being very humorous.  Following retirement, John opened the Custom Souvenir and Novelty Co. in Las Vegas, serving companies such as Rick’s Restoration, The Pawn Stars, Counting Cars, and work for his friend Chris Angel.  He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 am in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father John Miller as Celebrant.  The family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Friday from 5-8 pm.  Prayer Services will be held on Friday at 7:45 pm.  Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at Oakwood Cemetery’s Holy Trinity Section.  Expressions of sympathy can be left at munzpirnstill.com