Louis C. "Jack" Buck, Jr.

March 27, 1946 – January 16, 2021

Until the day he died, Jack Buck loved playing in the dirt. He started at an early age, running tractors around his grandfather’s farm. As he got older, he operated excavating machines, as well as really fast cars. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1965, earning his GED at the same time. He married Katherine Savercool and together they had four children. He was wounded in Vietnam and returned home in 1969 with the rank of sergeant. Jack was once again moving dirt in all kinds and sizes of equipment—dozers, front loaders, excavators, et al. He had a part-time job at a local gas station as well, zipping around in a loaded tow truck as if he were driving a little VW Bug ®. The family moved to Pennsylvania, then on to Hawaii, where Jack had his own successful excavation company. Katherine and Jack eventually divorced and he moved back to the mainland.

Married in 1989, Barbara Anderson and Jack settled in Bowie, Maryland. As always, he and his machines could not be separated. Working on larger and larger projects, Jack was constantly creating his own network of construction and excavation friends. He drove his black and silver 1989 Dodge Ram for so long, people saw it on a job site, and stopped in to say ‘hi’. Barbara and Jack’s story was cut short when Jack lost Barbara to cancer in 2000.

In 2004, Jack married Katherine Petrone McGown. He always wanted to return to his farm roots, and she wanted the same. They purchased property in West Virginia and made a plan. We all know what happens to plans. At the time, the company Jack worked for went out of business. Perseverance and luck paired him with the Strittmatter Companies in 2009, and while it demanded a long-distance relationship, he was once again joyfully playing in the dirt.

Jack Buck could be a little harsh, but he was always fair. He could handle just about any situation because he had the certificates to prove it. If he thought a co-worker had potential, he took the time to mentor him or her. He had a playful sense of humor, but did not tolerate recklessness. His sense of duty and his work ethic were the products of his Marine Corps days, and his resourcefulness complemented his vast experience.

He leaves behind his loving family: Sister, Helen Emmert (Roy), wife, Kathy Buck; sons Louis C. (Jackie) Buck III, Daniel Christopher Buck (Andrea), Joseph David Buck (Carri) and daughters, Laurie Fifita (Pasa), and Missy Kidwell (Jason). Grandchildren Savannah & Keegan Buck , Jamie Buck, Tiffany & Don Buck; Leilani, Miki, and Sam Fifita; and Nathan Kidwell. Great-grandchildren, , Harper Buck; Thomas, Annabelle, and Evelyn Malon; Mone & Lose Fifita. Niece Lisa Greenlee (Rick), Nephews Johnny Lacey Jr. (Donna), and Wayne Buck Jr. great nieces and nephews, and co-workers, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred & Louis Buck Sr, sister, Nancy Waggoner, his brother Wayne Buck, and sister Tiffany Blair. In addition to flowers, the family suggests donations to one’s veterans organization of choice.

On Sunday, February 7th, there will be a service via Facebook Live at 1:00 pm, followed by a viewing between 2:00-4:00 pm, and 6:00-8:00 pm. Please note that due to Covid regulations, only 10 people are allowed in the viewing room at a time. The burial will be Monday, February 8th at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Upper Marlboro, MD, at 11:15. For more information, please go to www.RobertEvansFuneralHome.com.