uniform, driving him to the airport, and flying him to Bangkok, Thailand. Everything Pop owned fit into three suitcases. Pop lived in Bangkok the rest of his life. He died December 29, 1980 while visiting a friend in Manila, Philippines. He is buried beside his wife Mattie in Edon Cemetery, Edon, Ohio. In 1967, author John Steinbeck remarked during a visit to Laos. "I think Pop is an example of how the ancient Gods were born... Whether you believe it or not, there are still giants in the earth." References Further reading ( link is to the complete text of the chapter referring to Pop Buell.) External links 1913 births 1980 deaths People from Steuben County, Indiana People of the United States Agency for International Development People from Indiana in the Vietnam War People of the Laotian Civil War American people of Hmong descent