Paul Homer Buckingham, 75, of Plymouth, Ohio went to his Heavenly home on Saturday June 27. His son, and best friend, Wayne was holding his hand.
Paul was so much more than a Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, Uncle and Friend to us, he touched the lives of so many people, some he had met only once, and some he had never met in person.
Paul was born to the late Melvin and Eva (Slessman) Buckingham, in Celeryville, Ohio.
As a child, Paul helped on the family farm, taking care of livestock and planting the fields surrounding their property. He acquired a love for farming, earning the handle Lil’ Farmer.
After serving in the United States Army, during which he met and married the love of his life, Paul came home to take over and run the family owned business, Buckingham Equipment and Supply, Inc., where he sold and repaired Allis Chalmer Tractors, and various other farm Machinery. His charismatic, and genuine personality earned him Salesman of the Year numerous times.
After the business closed due to economic hardship in 1979, Paul took on the role of Maintenance Supervisor at Wiers Farm, Inc, until his retirement in 2008. Paul continued to operate his own HVAC business, Service First, and spent his days on the farms located in Celeryville. An avid racing fan, Paul loved watching Nascar, and spent many years competing in Tractor Pulls, Drag Racing and Sprint Car Racing, of which became a family affair for nearly 20 years.
He supported his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors, offering support, wisdom and love throughout their lives. His knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit ingrained in them forever.
Paul is survived by his wife, Mary (Thomas) Buckingham of 53 ½ years. His mother-in law, Marion (John) Thomas; two siblings, Clair Buckingham and Karen (Buckingham) Fichtelman; Sister-in-laws, Alice (Lloyd) Buckingham and Marilyn (James) Buckingham; and one brother-in-law John (Joyce) Thomas; children, Theresa, Wayne and Marie Buckingham; grandchildren, Paul Buckingham, Kristopher Rowe, and Erica Rowe; great grandchildren; Kane Rowe, Carter Buckingham and Kara Rowe, and additional step-grandchildren. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews that were near and dear to his heart.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd, and James Buckingham; brothers-in-law, Russell Fichtelman, and Tom Thomas; and sister-in-law Rita Buckingham.
There will not be any services at this time. We plan to remember Paul in a Celebration of Life, when family and friends can safely be together and share their stories of love and laughter. Please watch his FB page for date and location.
We would like to Thank you all for the prayers, calls, texts and Facebook condolences. Paul was very loved, and your outpouring of support has been so helpful during this difficult time. If Love could have saved him, he would have lived Forever.
It is never Goodbye. Its “See ya Later, Alligator.”
Memorial Contributions can be made in Paul’s memory to his wife Mary Buckingham. Please contact me (Marie) for their address at: [email protected].