William L. Buckingham

William Buckingham, 91, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa with family by his side. 

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 9, 2021 with Rev. John Walker officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 on Monday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Services.

Bill was born June 26, 1930, in Ottawa, IL, to Laverne and Nellie (Meaney) Buckingham . He married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, June Pray, on February 16, 1952 in Fort Benning, Georgia.  She died December 15, 2015.

Bill proudly served in the army as a forward observer in the 25th Division in Korea with the rank of Sergeant First Class from 1952-1953.  He was honored with a quilt of valor for his service. 

He worked at Brickton and Libby Owens Ford.  He retired after 31 years as a custodian at Ottawa High School.  Even after retirement he drove the bus for Ottawa athletic teams and various other school functions for many years.  He attended First Presbyterian Church.  Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an avid camper.  He and June spent many winters camping in Texas, and together they traveled to 49 states.  He was a blood donor for the Red Cross, and was a member, and former president, of the Nat’l Campers & Hikers Association, and also a member, and former president, of the local chapter of the Twilight Travelers.  He belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge, and the Good Sam Club.  Bill will most definitely be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his two sons, David (Carolyn Chapman) Buckingham & Daniel Buckingham, four grandchildren, Tiffany Buckingham, Ashley McCullough, Justin Buckingham, & Heather Chapman, seven great-grandchildren, Avery, Kylin, Mara, Luke, Mia, Madison, & Ellawyn and two great great-grandchildren, Leo & Ezmae.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife June, his brother Don Buckingham and his sister LaVonne Harcharik.

Pallbearers will be Mike Weygand, Dwayne Davis, Drew Ferracuti, Dana Ferracuti, Kevin McCalpine, Jake McCullough, David Erwin, James Maccono, Justin Buckingham, & Avery Buckingham. 

Memorials may be directed to Pet Project or Servant’s Heart.

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