AUGUSTA – Charles Allen “Buck” Buckingham, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital, Togus, after a very long illness.

Buck was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Westfield, to Perley and Alda (Redstone) Buckingham, the fifth of seven children. The family moved from The County to Mexico, where he attended local schools, graduating from Mexico High School in 1952.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954. He met his best friend and the love of his life, Jeannette Anne Jacqueline (Cox), while serving his first tour of duty at the RAF Bentwaters Station in England. They were married Dec. 1, 1956, in England. During his career the family completed several additional tours of duty to include Westover AFB in Massachusetts, RAF Station Lakenheath, England, Pease AFB in New Hampshire, Bolling AFB in Washington D.C., and Denver, Colo.

He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He retired from the military after 20 years of service. The family then moved to Maine and settled in Augusta. He worked at the Togus VA Center in Augusta, where he remained for approximately 18 years before retiring in 1991 due to ill health. At the time of his retirement, he was the assistant chief of the business administrative division, Regional Office Center, Togus.

During his career in the U.S. Air Force, he received many medals and commendations. He was a member of the American Legion Post 2 at Augusta, the VFW in Rumford, and a lifetime member of the DAV. He was an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Augusta, which he very much enjoyed, until illness prevented that level of participation.

He loved to travel with Jackie and considered England his second home. In his younger years, he was an excellent baseball and softball player, playing in high school and in many recreational leagues while in the service. He was also an excellent dancer and loved to dance with his wife whenever opportunities presented themselves, the polka being a particular favorite of theirs.

He had a great love for music of various types and was very proud of his music collection. He particularly liked a bargain and appreciated a good “garage sale” when he saw one. In later years, he enjoyed attending and watching his grandchildren as they participated in various sports, theatrical, and academic events, and was very proud of all their achievements.

He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He valued honesty, integrity, fairness, hardwork, and serving others. Above all, he was a man of commitment and strength. He lived life on those terms and could always be counted on to come through in time of need. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren as demonstrated in their career choices and various interests. He was well-loved and will be well-missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette (Jackie) Buckingham of Augusta; three children, Debra (Buckingham) Phillips and husband, Craig, of Auburn, Charles Buckingham of Augusta and Terri (Buckingham) Steinmeyer and husband, Doug, of Waterville; 11 grandchildren, Sandra (and husband Chris), Roxanne (and husband Mark), Jennifer, Charles, Chase, Kaytlynn, Mikayla, Josh, Jacob, Ellie and Emmy; three great-grandchildren, Phillips, Haley and Aiden; brother, Preston Buckingham; sisters, Grace Hollis and Mary Roberts; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Harry Waite. He had a particular fondness and love for his “second family” in England, brother and sisters-in-law, Douglas and Honorea Cox of Southhampton, England; nephew, Russell Cox and wife, Pam; niece, Olwen and husband, Mick; and Olwen’s children.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Frederick and Edwin; sister, Idella; and three nephews, Richard, Robert and Philip.

The family wishes to extend particular thanks and gratitude to Drs. Boccia and Pathak, the SCU nursing staff, and various hospital technicians, for the kind care and comfort you have provided, particularly these past weeks. We have traveled far in this journey and you have all helped make this last trip bearable. For that, the family extends sincere thanks and gratitude. pax vobiscum