Richard Buckelew

CMSGT Richard Earl "R.E." Buckelew, 78, of Medina, TX died peacefully October 12, 2015 at home in Medina surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Hugo St. in Kerrville on June 2, 1937, son of the late John Earl and Marguerite Johnston Buckelew.\r\n \r\nRichard was a native of Texas, where he grew up on his father's ranch in Medina. He graduated from Medina High School in 1955. Joining the Navy following graduation, he served aboard the USS Tiru as a part of the Maintenance and Repair Division and made two six month cruises to Japan and the Far East. He received extensive training in nuclear reactors, air conditioning, refrigeration and mechanical construction during his 11 years of military service. \r\n \r\nRichard "turned out" of the Navy and joined the Air Force in 1963 where he was in charge of the Refrigeration Shop at Westover AFB at Chicopee Falls, MA. In July 1968, he was assigned to Vietnam where he was Mechanical Superintendent at the Air Force base in Phu Cat. As part of the Air Force Special Projects, he was assigned to the 6954th Test Squadron and received special recognition from the NRO for his contributions and critical role for laying the foundation for imagery intelligence processing for national security during the Cold War. Richard retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant on September 1, 1976.\r\n \r\nWhile residing in the North East, he was a Deacon in his church. R.E. had extensive theological knowledge that he had obtained over the years. Throughout his life, he visited many universities in New England. He collected old bibles and studied them in the archives on bible translations. \r\n \r\nFollowing his military career, Richard had always wanted to return to Texas. He relocated to San Antonio and worked for the North East Independent School District for 8 years. Richard retired with his wife, Geri, to Medina in 1997. \r\n \r\nDuring his retirement, one of Richard's favorite hobbies included genealogy where he spent a great deal of time tracing his family lineage back to Scotland. \r\n \r\nRichard is survived by his wife, Geri Buckelew, of 25 years, his children Richard Buckelew, Jr., his wife Kim, Ryan Buckelew, and step children Pete Nealley, his wife Julie, Janet Williamson, her husband Mike, and Jill Saia and her husband Frank. He also leaves his sisters and brothers, Marjorie Borden her husband Joel, Gary Joe Buckelew, his wife Chris, Betty Neasham, Carroll Ray Buckelew, Nancy Arlington, and Linda Buckelew. Lastly he is survived by his grandchildren Danny and Kaila Buckelew, and his step grandchildren Beth Nevola her husband Chris and their son William, Lisa Baxter her husband Chris, Allison Nealley, Ryan, Paige, and Hannah Williamson, Nick, Katelyn and Jake Saia, and numerous nieces and nephews.\r\n \r\nHe is predeceased by his parents, his brother John Fletcher Buckelew and his daughter Elizabeth Ann Buckelew.\r\n \r\nA one hour visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 9:00am at the Medina United Methodist Church, followed by the funeral at 10am performed by Pastor Bill Stegemueller. The graveside service will be at the Oak Rest Cemetery, Medina. \r\n\r\nPallbearers will include: Gary Joe Buckelew, John Thomas Buckelew, Derek Allen, Ishmael Perales, Joshua Jenkins and Mike Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are Cecil Lestourgeon and Henry Zumwalt.\r\n