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Robert E. Buckingham Sr.

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Retired U.S. Army Reserve helicopter pilot

Maj. Robert E. Buckingham Sr., 78, of Myerstown, went home to be with his Lord Saturday, January 4, 2014, in Arden Courts of Susquehanna, Harrisburg.

He was the husband of Janice E. Lemmon Buckingham, a daughter of the late Luke and Ferne Connor Lemmon of Waynesburg, to whom he was married for 52 years June 29, 2013.

Born in Staten Island, N.Y., March 5, 1935, he was a son of the late George F. and Florence Bursey Buckingham.

A graduate of Curtis High School, Staten Island, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Northeast Bible Institute, Green Lane.

He served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, later retiring as a helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. He was also employed by New Cumberland Army Depot for 10 years and also worked at Manheim Auto Auction.

A member of Myerstown Baptist Church, he sang in the choir. He studied voice and performed in various musical and theatrical productions with Lebanon Community Theater, Gretna Theater, Harrisburg Opera and York Matinee Club.

He also loved animals, was a Master Gardener for 5 years and bowled for several years with Palmyra Senior League.

In addition to his wife, surviving are daughters Cheryl A. Buckingham of Myerstown and Elisabeth L. Putt, wife of Erin Putt of Newmanstown; a son, Robert E. Buckingham II, husband of Donna (Boyer) Buckingham of Fredericksburg; grandchildren Austin R., Connor L. and Olivia M. Buckingham and Eva J. and Elias D. Putt; a twin brother, Donald R. Buckingham, husband of Llarilyn Buckingham of Branchport, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, Harold G. Buckingham, husband of Paula Buckingham, and a sister, Dorothy G. Stucker, wife of the late Frank Stucker.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, in Grose Funeral Home, 358 West Washington Avenue, Myerstown, preceded by a visitation beginning at 9 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 North Ramona Road, Myerstown. Interment with full military honors will be held at 3 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 North Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067.

www.grosefuneralhome.com

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