BUCKINGHAM, Frederick William

BUCKINGHAM, SMITH, BLEVINS

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 5/27/2020 at 08:26:52

Frederick William Buckingham

Frederick William Buckingham, age 72, the son of Joseph William and Rosetta (Smith) Buckingham, was born April 30, 1948, in Leon, Iowa. He died at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Fred’s early life was spent in Leon until the family moved and he started school in New Virginia, Iowa. They returned to Leon where he completed his education and graduated from Central Decatur High School in 1967. He then began studying at Indian Hills Junior College in Centerville, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1969, mostly serving in Germany as a weather meteorologist. After his discharge in 1971, he returned home and completed his associate’s degree. He worked on the family farm, drove a semi-truck, and owned and operated an insurance business.

On February 14, 1973, he and Kathy Blevins were married. They were blessed with three children, Kelly, Bryan, and Joel. In 1986, Fred filled the open term as Decatur County Sheriff and then was elected to two more four-year terms, making a ten-year run. In 1997, Fred and Kathy moved to Branson, Missouri where Fred worked security at Silver Dollar City before he was a Coast Guard licensed Captain for the Branson Belle Showboat. He retired in 2013. After Kathy’s retirement in 2015, from teaching school, the couple enjoyed many vacations with their children and their families. Fred enjoyed the time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Fred’s passions were his Faith, his Family, and his Friends.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents; many aunts and uncles; his father, Joe Buckingham; sister, Joy Buckingham; father-in-law, Verlyn Blevins; brother-in-law, Ken Husak; and nephew, Nathan Dale. Those who will miss him most are his wife, Kathy Buckingham of Blue Eye, Missouri; children, Kelly and Brett Konicek of Garwin, Iowa, Bryan and Katie Buckingham of Chicago, Illinois, and Joel Buckingham of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Austin Heltibridle, Dalton Konicek, Bridget Buckingham, Rosie Buckingham, and Matthew Buckingham; mother, Rosetta Buckingham of Leon; siblings, Tim and Marie Buckingham, Kevin and Linda Buckingham, Linda Buckingham, all of Leon, Crystal and Garry Leahy of Van Wert, Iowa, Melody Husak of Evergreen, Colorado, Kim and Chanda Buckingham, Karman and Connie Buckingham, and Star Bethards, all of Leon, June and Doug Downs, of Allerton, Iowa, and Brent and Sonya Buckingham of Decatur, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Decatur County Fairgrounds Shelter in Leon, Iowa at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2020, with Father Samuel Danso officiating. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery, Leon, Iowa. A Rosary will be held prior to the service.

Memorials may be given to the Journey For Joy Foundation in Leon, Iowa in memory of Fred OR for a memorial to be established by the Family.

Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home