Obituary of Ramon Duane Buckman

R.D. "Ray" Buckman, the son of Raymond Henry and Clara Elnora (Snow) Buckman, was born September 21, 1926 in Gayville, S.D. Following High School, Ray joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He went on to graduate from Drake University in 1950. After his graduation, Ray became a coach, school teacher and principal with schools in Inwood, IA and Rhodes, IA. He worked for Meredith Publishing in Des Moines for three years. On June 30, 1956, Ray was united in marriage with Sharonn Kay Wagoner in West Des Moines, Iowa. Ray worked for the I.R.S. for 18 years as Public Information Officer, Revenue Officer and Supervisor for Western Iowa. He left the I.R.S. to own his own tax and accounting office with his wife, Sharonn, in Sacramento, CA. Together they operated Maxwell Tax Service for 23 years, retiring and moving to Newton in 2003. Ray was a member of the Community Heights Alliance Church. Ray was a wonderful bible teacher. He loved teaching adult Sunday School and home bible studies. He mentored several people, most of who still keep in touch. Ray was a prolific writer, filling many books and journals. He was instrumental in helping to write a discipleship journal. Ray loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The stature of the man, Ray, indeed makes for a large void for all who have known and loved him, especially his soul mate, best friend and wife, Sharonn. Ray entered his home in glory on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. He was 83 years old. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Fran Molden. Those left to honor Ray's memory include his wife, Sharonn of Newton, IA; his daughter, Holly Minor; his daughters from a previous marriage: Sherry Arnhols, Teri Buckman, Raeone Loscalzo, Karen Johnson; his six grandchildren; his two great grandchildren; his sister, Jen Shallenberger of Green Valley, AZ; and his brother, John Buckman of Yankton, S.D. Ray's desire was to have his body donated to the University of Iowa. A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. September 25, 2010 at Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. Memorials may be designated in Ray's name and may be left at the church or at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home. "I loved Ray once, I love him still. Always have, always will."