Raymond Buckley

Raymond Buckley, age 79, of Cave Junction, died Friday, September 2, 2011 at his home.

Buck was born February 19, 1932 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Jack & Mary Buckley the youngest of seven children. He attended Catholic School until graduation then joined the United States Navy. While serving at Crane Naval Weapons Depot near Bedford, Indiana he married Esther I. Watson before being transferred to the California Bay Area. After a bomb fell on him causing serve injury to one leg, he was forced to retire from the military after serving 12 years. After his honorable discharge, he went to work at Port Chicago Armory in Concord, California. In 1975 Buck & Esther retired from Concord to Cave Junction.

Buck was a member of the Masons and the Illinois Valley Golf Association and at one time was groundskeeper at the Illinois Valley Golf Course. Together with his best friend, Chip Combs, he provided wood, yard work, Christmas trees, etc to local “widow” women in the Cave Junction area.

Buck enjoyed a full life in retirement until illness kept him closer to home. He especially enjoyed golf and playing cards.

Survivors include his stepchildren, Morris Hoole of Denver, Colorado, Rita Rodriguez of Houston, Texas, Robert Hoole of Denver, Colorado, Rosalie Bradford of Bedford, Indiana, Kathleen Young of Cave Junction, Oregon, Delbert Watson of Sacramento, California and Nancy Blevins of Bedford, Indiana; a sister, Doris Mahonvich; five brothers, Howard Davidson, William Buckley, Daniel Buckley, Dennis Buckley, and Patrick Buckley; 28 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Buckley and his parents.

A viewing will begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors.

A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors. Interment will follow at Laurel Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army.