Marion Keith Buckman, 84 of Austin, passed away on June 16, 2019. He was born on February 1, 1935 in Marion County, Kentucky to Walter Thomas and Daisy Mae (Colvin) Buckman. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mi Buckman; son, Mark Buckman; daughter, Misha Woodall (son-in-law, Christopher Woodall); and grandson, Clayton Woodall. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother’s, Walter Thomas Buckman Jr., Robert Bruce Buckman, Spencer Clark Buckman, and Sister, Elizabeth Newcomb Buckman.
He began his military career in April 14, 1955 when he went to join the Marines but, ended up in the Air Force because the Marines office was closed. After enlisting, Marion attended technical school where he studied electronics and learned to repair air traffic control radars. Soon after, he was deployed to Vietnam where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (w/one oak leaf cluster), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Longevity Medal.
Marion retired from the Air Force in 1979 as a SMSgt. That’s when he ventured off into a few other careers, one being, Insurance Examiner for Texas Insurance Advisory Board (10 years). Marion was also a Security Officer for the Texas Department of Public Safety and Capitol Police District (10 years).
In addition to his Military accomplishments and career achievements, he was quite the academic and loved adding new educations to his “belt”. He attended the USAF NCO Academy, USAF Senior NCO Academy, and MAC NCO Academy. He also took courses in both basic and advanced electronics, radar modification O/I maintenance, ground CEM maintenance analysis tech, and solid state and integrated circuit devices. Marion also graduated Cum Laude with a bachelors in Human Resource Management from Park University.
Marion was the most loving and friendly being you would ever meet. So many people remember him as being such a wonderful man. He lit the room with his smile and just loved engaging with people. As a traveler (USAF), he loved hearing about other cultures and customs. His humor was grand and laughter was so contagious!
Like most proud Fathers, he loved his family like no other. He was super proud of his son, Mark, who also served in the Military and shared his passion for reading and music. He and his daughter, Misha, had a special bond. They enjoyed having long conversations about state government and the Texas State Capitol, which they worked at. Clayton, his one and only grandchild, meant the world to him. They shared a love for collecting pocketknives and firearms (one of his many hobbies); they often when on rides in search or their next treasure. Christopher, his son-in-law, was like a son to him, who he loved dearly and was grateful for his carpentry skills. Most of all, Marion had infinite love for his wife, Mi. Anyone could see the love he had for her in his eyes!
The family will be accepting guests at Cook Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749 from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, June 21, 2019. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Cook Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home Chapel. Full military honors will be held honoring Marion’s 24 years in the Air Force following the service at Cook Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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