Ken Buckley

FARMINGTON Kenneth Eugene "Ken" Buckley passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Ashbrook Assisted Living at the age of 91. He was born in Flat River on November 4, 1925 to the late Fendal Parks Buckley and Clara Alma (Stevens) Buckley. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Lou (Fisher) Buckley in 2015; several brothers and sisters; two grandchildren, Christopher Hrouda and Kristen Buckley.

Ken grew up in Flat River and went on to college at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He also attended the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. Upon his return back home he opened two service stations, the Cities Service on Taylor Street and the Shell Station on Main Street, both in Flat River. It was while he operated the service stations that he also began Buckley Towing Company. Ken also had a charter bus service which took local groups to many various events. He ran those businesses for 12 years before running for St. Francois County Sheriff. He served as Sheriff from 1964 to 1976 and from 1980 to 1988. During his time as Sheriff, he was instrumental in founding the local chapter of the law enforcement explorer group as well as the sheriffs posse and the mobile crime unit. After his retirement Ken enjoyed hunting and gardening. An avid Missouri Tiger fan, he also enjoyed going to the races. He will be remembered as a very hard working person who proudly passed along his work ethic to his children, all of whom he was very proud of. All who knew Ken will remember that if he asked you a question, he already knew the answer.

Survivors include his children, Keith (Yvonne) Buckley, Kevin (Kim) Buckley, Kary (Kim) Buckley, Karter (Diane) Buckley, Klayton (Christine) Buckley and Penny (Chris) Hrouda; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild; special nieces, Shirley Thayer and Myra Yancey, as well as a host of other nieces, nephews and extended family.

Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday from 5 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. until the funeral service in the Cozean Chapel at 10 a.m. with Reverend Roger Hogan officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Memorials, if desired, may be made to The BackStoppers. View the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, April 14, 2017 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Hillview Memorial Gardens

Saturday, April 15, 2017 5229 Westmeyer Road Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Visitation Resumes

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Saturday, April 15, 2017 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Saturday, April 15, 2017 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions