Donald Eugene Buckingham

June 19, 1928 - May 2, 2018

Donald E. "Buck" Buckingham, age 89, of Dixon, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Heritage Square in Dixon. He was born June 19, 1928 in Dixon, the son of Lloyd and Bessie (Anderson) Buckingham. Buck attended Dixon High School. He served in the Army during the Korean War and while in the service traveled to Greenland and different parts of the United States. He was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion, VFW, and Moose Lodge, all in Dixon. Buck married Marilyn Jean Kelly April 4, 1952 in Dixon. She was the love of his life and they enjoyed life to the fullest. They lived in Grand Detour where they raised their two daughters, Laurie and Kay, eventually building their dream house on the Rock River. Buck enjoyed boating on the river with family and friends and was an original "River Rat". They loved wintering in Florida, watching the boat races in Key West, and visiting many friends in St. Pete Beach. He also enjoyed woodworking, creating treasures for family and friends. He cherished the times he spent with all of his grandchildren, watching dance recitals and competitions, traveling to Chicago, Las Vegas, and Orlando to be apart of their lives. He also enjoyed working alongside them in his woodshop. His eyes lit up the moment his great grandchildren were born. He adored them and loved to watch them play and hear their laughs. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Buck was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers James and Robert Buckingham. Survivors include his wife of 66 years; two daughters Laurie (Tim) McBride and Kay (Steve) Heckman both of Dixon; four grandchildren Katie (Scott) Ragan, Sarah (Mike) Countryman, Jamie (Nick) Barber, and Lukas Heckman; six great- grandchildren Jack and Benjamin Ragan, Emma and Madelyn Countryman, and Jackson and Lola Barber. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 11:00 AM in the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon with Rev. Joseph O'Donnell, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon, officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service in the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Heritage Square in Dixon. Special thanks to the staff at Heritage Square for their exceptional care.