Joe Buckner, Sr.

January 13, 1940 - February 8, 2021

Joe Thomas Buckner Sr., 81 went home to be with The Lord on February 8, 2021 at Medina Nursing Facility, Durand, IL.  Joe was born to Eldon E. Buckner, Sr. and Ruth Bumpus Buckner in 1940 in Montgomery County, TN on land which soon after became part of Fort Campbell, KY.  Joe loved his country, and his life-long dream was to serve in the military. After graduating from Clarksville High School, he joined the US Army, trained as a paratrooper and Ranger and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC. Although he was medically discharged, he was always a soldier in his heart. Joe had the joy of having two of his grandsons serve in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.  Joe was a member of Bethel Methodist Church, Clarksville, TN and there made life-long friendships.  Joe spent many years in Rockton, IL, where he and his wife, Chris reared their family.  Joe was a Master Gardener and shared a variety of fruits and vegetables with his friends, neighbors, and family. He was often consulted by others for his gardening expertise. Joe was a skilled mechanic and an avid reader, as well.  Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Chris of 49 years, his parents, his brothers, William T. Buckner, and Eldon E. Buckner, Jr., sisters, Dorothy B. Boyer (Bill), and Louise B. Cothron (Jack). He is survived by his sons, Joe T. Buckner, Jr. (Stace), Adam Buckner (Stephanie), David Buckner, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren all of Illinois. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy B. Poole, Adams, TN and many well-loved nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by one sister-in-law, Anne N. Buckner, Nashville, TN. Services in honor of Joe will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Grace Funeral & Cremation Serivces, Rockford, IL at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in Laona Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, February 12th from 4-8 pm and Saturday, February 13th from 10:30 am until the hour of service.  Pastor Jaci McNeil will officiate.  Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.  A live webcast of the service can be viewed here: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1119832 Interment in Laona Cemetery, Laona Township.  The family wishes to express their appreciation to the devoted healthcare providers who cared for him at Medina Nursing Center and Serenity Hospice.  Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home, 1658 IL-2, Oregon, IL 61061.  Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.    Joe will be deeply missed by his family, extended family, and friends.