Obituary - Thomas Buck 97

Thomas Ray Buck, 97

Thomas Ray Buck, son of James Oliver and Rachel (McClain) Buck, was born February 21, 1906 at the family home in Smith County, Kansas and departed this life at the Weisbrod Memorial Hospital May 24, 2003, at the age of 97 years, 3 months.

In August 1908, when a small child, he moved with his parents by wagon to the homestead 12 and one half miles northwest of Eads.

Ray secured his education in a small country school known as the "Blooding" school. He and two of his brothers continued to live and farm the home place after the death of their father.

Ray was inducted into the Army March 26, 1941. He took medical training and was attached with the 67^th General Hospital Medical Department, serving as a hospital orderly and surgical technician. He departed for the ETO in 1942. He was awarded the European-African Middle East Service Medal and the American Defense Service Medal. He received his honorable discharge on October 10, 1945.

Ray and his brother, Clarence, were co-owners and operators in a garage in the late 1940’s. He also worked for 20 years for the RE-1 Eads School District as a bus maintenance man and operator, retiring in 1971. He was a member of the American Legion Post #125 of Eads for 53 years, also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The Weisbrod Nursing Home was his home the last years of his life. He was a kind neighbor, demonstrating a message of faith, characteristic of his philosophy of life, always kind and thoughtful of others.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his bothers: Edwin, Basil, Maurice, Clarence, Bryan, Elvin "Bill", Milo "Pete" and 4 sisters: Myrtle Maxon, Bessie Kelley, Mary Whaley and Dorothy Buck. Left to mourn his passing are nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Graveside funeral services were held May 28 at the Eads Cemetery in Eads with the Rev. Gary Goettel officiating. Brown Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.