Ronald "Ron" Allen Buck, age 86, loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024. He was born on May 5, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, and was the son of Romanian immigrants, George and Katie Buck, and brother to George, Richard (d. 2022), and Anna (d. 1985).
Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Gladys, and three sons and their spouses: Brian (Maureen) of Sterling Heights, Michigan; Spencer (Amber) of Aberdeen, Maryland; and Jason (Jennifer) of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Loving grandfather to Nathan and Emmalee Buck; Christopher, Casey, and Curtis Buck (Ashley); and William, Caroline, and Samantha Buck. Great grandfather to Everly and Hunter. Dear brother-in-law to Jeanette Brusseau (d. 2021), James Berry, Gary Berry, and Julia Berry.
Ron was a 1957 graduate from Frank Cody High School in Detroit, Michigan. Ron served in the United States Army Reserve from 1961 until he was honorably discharged in 1966 as a member of the military police. Ron met the love of his life, Gladys, at Michigan Mutual Insurance Company. They married on September 23, 1961, and built their home in Sterling Heights, Michigan, in 1966, where they raised their family and their many pet cats. Ron treasured time with his family and loved coaching his sons' baseball teams. Ron took the family on numerous memorable vacations exploring the United States and Canada in their Dodge Ram van or yellow station wagon (AKA “The Banana Mobile”).
Ron worked as a systems analyst for the Budd Company (Thyssen) in Detroit, Michigan for 36 years, retiring in 2003. He proudly never missed a day of scheduled work and was frequently recognized for this accomplishment. After retirement he continued to stay well-informed about technology and would often provide computer support for his family and friends. Ron was always a step ahead when it came to technology and had the latest and greatest gadgets.
A man of deep faith, Ron was a loyal member of Bethany Baptist Church for over forty years where he served in several leadership roles. His love for the church and military led him and Gladys to coordinate the church’s efforts to collect, organize, and ship hundreds of care packages to active-duty soldiers. Ron created a lifelong network of friends within the church community.
Ron’s friendly nature and generous spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was an incredibly supportive husband and often you would find him cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry after his retirement. Ron was an enthusiastic Detroit sports’ fan and could always carry on a lively conversation about the latest game. His grandchildren will always remember their “Papa” as a loving, caring and kind man. Above all, Ron was a dedicated family man and a wonderful partner and husband to Gladys.
Visitation from 10:00am until time of funeral service at 11:00am on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Bethany Baptist Church, 19700 15 Mile Rd, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035. Military honors following the service. Private interment at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Twp.
Memorial tributes may be made to Bethany Baptist Church or please treat a current or former military service person to a meal or offer a kind gesture as Ron and Gladys frequently did to honor Ron’s generous spirit and military background.
