image description

Norman “Uncle Buck” Buckalew Has Passed

September 10th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Because of all the Uncle Buck stories that have been told on the air over the years and all of Uncle Buck's jokes that have been shared with you by David, he has decided to share with all of you the obituary that Unlce Buck wrote before his passing:

Norman Allen Buckalew, beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend passed away on September 10, 2015 of cancer.  Typical of “Uncle Buck”, he cut out the middle man and wrote his own obituary.  Please enjoy his humor and then do something kind for someone else.

Norman Allen Buckalew finally threw a seven on September 10 at age 87.  As I told my neighbors and family for the last 41 years I was subject to go at any minute.  I was the youngest and last of the 9th Ward Buckalew clan born to Ellen S and Charles H Buckalew.  I was predeceased by my wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen and brothers George, David, Edward, and my twin sister Norma Mildred Aydelotte.

I attended schools No. 30, Warner Jr High, and Brown Vocational High.

After working for several companies, I settled at Tupp Sign Company where I learned my trade as a sign painter and gilder.  I was self employed for 50 years and enjoyed all the friends I met in the workplaces.  I especially liked working in the old City/County Building and several Volunteer Fire Companies.  Loved all the pranks and jokes, that made the job easier.

I loved good humor and comedians like Myron Cohen, Buddy Hacket, and Rodney Dangerfield.  I collected old books, refinished furniture and collected obits of friends and relatives.

I miss the good music of singers like Sinatra, Martin, and Streisand.

I liked everyone I met, loved a couple, tolerated a few, and disliked four and they know who they are.

I am survived by nephews David Aydelotte Sr, George Buckalew Jr, David Buckalew Jr, and Jess Buckalew, nieces Carol Jatres, Linda Harriman, Tina Malm, Cynthia Hindman, Barbara Miller, and Ruth Ann Love.  My daughter Ellen V. and her husband James Oboryshko, granddaughters Magen L. and Holly B. and great grandson Logan.  And by my friend and pal of 60 years Ronald Re.

Many thanks to my daughter Ginny and my nephews George and David for their constant help.  Thanks to my neighbors, nieces, and friends for their support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

“Uncle Buck” loved Dean Martin’s rendition of “Old Bones”, including the verse:

But I love life, I’d like to live it again.  Though I might not be much more than I’ve ever been.  Just to have the chance to turn back the hands and let my life begin.  Oh yeah, I’d like to do it again.

Dead End, No Exit.

 

This picture of Uncle Buck was taken just a few months ago, on his last visit to Cumberland in David's studio.

 

Leave a Reply