Arthur Earl Buckert, a very good and honorable man, passed away May 6, 2021 at age 89. He was born February 13, 1932 in Victoria to the late Lucile Keesee Buckert and Louis Buckert. Arthur served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.
He grew up on a farm where he developed a deep love for the land, an inspiring commitment to high ideals of hard work, scholarship, good citizenship, and service to others. He was honest, kind and respectful, making fast friends with all who crossed his path. He was a good neighbor, an all-weather friend, a loving father and an outstanding grandfather.
Arthur graduated from Patti Welder High School, class of 1948 and graduated from Victoria Junior College. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU. At age 18, he started a career with Victoria Bank and Trust, advancing from runner to Senior Vice President. After 33 years with the bank, he started a second career in commercial real estate and property management under the name Boardwalk Properties, finally retiring after 25 years in real estate. He spent the last 12 years traveling with Shirley and camping friends across the US and around Texas. When not on the road, he could be found playing golf at Colony Creek and working the land he loved near the Guadalupe River and Coleto Creek. He loved playing games with family and friends, and helping his children with projects.
Arthur had a servant’s heart, devoting a great deal of his personal time to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Victoria where he served in various leadership roles including President in 1979. He grew up in Trinity Lutheran Church; later joined Parkway Baptist Church and is currently a member of the Fellowship Bible Church.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Shirley Jamison Buckert; his children, Stephen Buckert (Sally) of Katy, Toby Zaplac (Pam) of Victoria, Dr. Trudi Zaplac (Tillman) of San Antonio; brother, Tommy Buckert of Victoria; his grandchildren, Jimmy Zaplac (Dawn), Jordan Buckert, Travis Zaplac (Elizabeth), Dr. Jason Buckert (Annie), Haley Zaplac (Sylvester Salinas), Emily Porter, Max Porter and his great-grandchildren, Araceli Salinas, Katherine Zaplac and one baby Buckert on the way.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ed Buckert and son, Robert Buckert.
A small graveside gathering will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Memory Gardens Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council.
A memorial service for all friends and family will be at 3 PM Tuesday at Fellowship Bible Church followed by a time of visitation.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Zaplac, Dr. Jason Buckert, Travis Zaplac, Larry Eckhardt, Hank Smith and Charles Cross. Honorary PallBearers are members of Cactus Campers and Bluebonnet Allegros.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Texas or the charity of your choosing.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
