S. L. "Buck" Buckalew

A funeral service, celebrating the life of S. L. Buck Buckalew, age 90, of Newark, Ohio, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Lancaster, where military honors will be held. Buck died January 3, 2016 at his home while surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born March 24, 1925 in Lancaster, Ohio to the late Okey and Waive (Whiting) Buckalew.He was a graduate of Lancaster High School and joined the US Navy when he was 17. Buck was a proud World War II Navy Veteran who served from 1942 to 1945. He earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer, received 28 citations and the prestigious Purple Heart Medal. After his service in the Navy, Buck went to Kaiser Aluminum, where he retired after 40 years. After Kaiser, Buck worked for Lowes, finally retiring at the age of 80. He was a lifetime member of the Buckeye Lake VFW and Newark VFW, Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, Buckeye Lake Eagles, Newark Elks Lodge and Newark Moose Lodge. He enjoyed having parties, dancing, having fun and spent many years on his pontoon, touring Buckeye Lake. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed his trips to Germany. If he had to choose one place to live, it would have been in Bavaria, with the mountains, blue sky, architecture, culture, and outdoor dining.Survivors include his daughter, Donna (Buckalew) Holycross; lady-friend, Marianne Clapper; brothers, Kline Buckalew, Pastor Franklin Buckalew, Sisters-in-law Pat Buckalew Betty Buckalew and Ruth Butts; nieces, Vickie and Debbie; nephew, JR; and many other nieces and nephews; close family, Tom and Molly Kellett; Evan Kellett; Eric Kellett; Mark and BJ Kelly; Isaac and Kate Gadd; Jim, Kelly, Megan and Jim Henry; Brittney Clapper, Eden Turner and Josh Turner; Caitlin Clapper; Courtney Clapper; Kim Clapper and Bob Stoll; Liz Clapper; close friends, Dr. Don and Sue Harris; Jerry and Debbie McClain; Debbie and Ken White; Mike Boehler; Scott and Christy Wood; Ed and Toni Clapper; Bill Rose; Jack and Geri Harrison; Dorle Ehmann; and Gary Shannon and Peggy Miebach; and many additional close friends.The Buckalew family would like to thank the team of doctors, Dr. Stephanie Ladson-Wofford, Dr. Donald J. Lewis, Dr. Donald E. Harrisand Dr. David A. Epstein, for the wonderful care that was provided to Buck.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen L. Buckalew; brothers, Walter, James, Erston and Ray.Donations may be made in memory of Buck, to the Licking County Aging Program, 1058 W. Main St., Newark, Ohio 43055. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Family will receive friends at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, on Thursday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Buck and his family.