Richard “Buck” Dean Buckalew, 67 of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away at 12:31 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born May 11, 1953 in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Robert J. “Bob” and Mary Elizabeth (Feight) Buckalew. He married Phillis L. Sperry on June 12, 1976 in Sheffield, Illinois.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Phillis; one son, Bradly (Jill) Buckalew of Winterset, Iowa; one daughter, Jennifer (Christopher) Urmy of Bettendorf, Iowa; 4 grandchildren, Haley Buckalew, Braden Buckalew, Bryce Buckalew and Vaughn Urmy; his siblings, Terry (Edie) Buckalew of Browning, Illinois, Debra (Bryan) McClaren of Leon, Iowa, Diane (Kim) Buckalew of Chariton, Iowa, Doyle Buckalew of Williamson, Iowa, Carroll Buckalew of Des Moines, Iowa, and Teresa ( Dale Foster) Buckalew of Williamson, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Frank (Patti Honiotes) Sperry of Minooka, Illinois; a special cousin, travel buddy and partner in crime, Jeff (Tammy) Hawkins of Altoona, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Richard graduated from Chariton High School in 1972. He worked as a conductor for BNSF Railroad for 32 years, retiring in 2006. He has lived in the Abingdon area since March of 1986 and prior to that had lived in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was a member of the Abingdon Road Knights Car Club. He enjoyed his old cars, restoring them, repairing them and then driving them to area car shows. He was very mechanical and could fix anything. He also enjoyed hunting, camping many summers at Lake Rathbun, Iowa, traveling, whether it be him and Phillis or their group travels, spending time with family and friends and drinking a beer now and then! He had a kind heart and was always there to help others.
Cremation will be accorded. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a time to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Food Pantry or the Abingdon Feed My Lambs in care of Phillis Buckalew, 843 Macomb Road, Abingdon, IL 61410. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
