Buckley, Sr., Charles Roger

Charles Roger Buckley Sr. of Dallas, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 89. Charles was born May 19, 1931 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was there that he grew and began serving his country at the age of 12 as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. That was just the beginning of his life of service. On July 11, 1954, Charles married the love of his life, Idell Williams-Buckley, just a few short days after returning from a year’s deployment to Korea. Although they were both born and raised in Oklahoma, Charles and Idell met and eventually married in California at Long Beach Air Force Base. Idell was also serving her country as a member of the United States Air Force and was assigned to Charles’ office for a short time. They were married for 66 loving, adventurous, and wonderful years. During their marriage and service to our country, Charles and Idell lived and traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. They had Karen, the first of their four children in Sacramento, California. Charles Jr. and Barbara were both born in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base. Their youngest child, Susan, was born in Montgomery, Alabama at Maxwell Air Force Base. Charles and Idell had a family to raise, and while Charles continued his life of service, his focus changed in some ways. He wanted to teach his children through his example. This was evident in every decision, every day, but there were times in his life that it was more prominent. Charles joined the military in 1947 before finishing high school, so as time drew closer for his oldest child to graduate, he worked to earn his high school diploma. A few years after retiring from the military, Charles went to college and earned his degree. Setting this example impacted countless people around him and certainly caught the attention of his family. His children understood his values and he was so very proud that all of his children have earned college degrees and have continued his legacy of service in their communities. Senior Master Sargent Charles R. Buckley retired from the United States Air Force in 1975 after 30 years of honorable service. He continued to serve his country and community throughout his life. Charles transitioned to civilian life and worked in hospital administration. Years later, he worked with Idell, and together they were very successful private business owners. At the end of that adventure, they retired together. He served as the precinct chairman for his political party for many years and taught everyone around him the importance of having our voices heard through voting. Charles was also an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He served as the Chapter photographer for the Sam Johnson KWs. His photos were published in KW publications and several other publications for veterans of foreign wars. In all of these endeavors, Charles always made sure those in need were helped and those deserving of recognition were acknowledged. He was happiest when giving and he gave from his heart. He lived by his belief that everyone should be better for being around him and should leave him with their grace and dignity intact. Charles’ amazing example of being a lifelong learner made a lasting impact on his entire family and so many more. He was also always a lover of music and dancing. This is how he expressed his love and how he spread joy to everyone around him. He did well to instill his passion for learning and music in the children he raised, and as it is passed down through the generations, he lives on. Even when Charles was very limited by Parkinson’s Disease, his dedication, undying love, and support for his family continued. He was able to enjoy his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild for many wonderful years. The last few years of his life, Charles needed assistance with many of his daily tasks. As his illness progressed, it brought home health care workers into our lives. The workers eventually became an everyday part of life. There were so many special people who came to work, but Charles’ beloved “Ogee” and “Chuck” became much more than caregivers. They cared for Charles as if he were their father. Ogechi Nwaorgu and Chukwuma Oparaku became and will remain family. Charles is survived by Idell Buckley and their children Karen Peck, Charles Buckley Jr, Barbara Buckley, Susan Buckley-Sherman, and Susan’s husband, Dmitri Sherman. He is also survived by grandchildren Karlie Sherman, Maggie Sherman, Susan Peck, and Susan’s husband, Jonas Diener, along with David Peck and wife Holly Peck, his great-granddaughter Ellie Peck, his half-sisters Martha Buckley-Kramer and Margaret Buckley, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins that were dear to him. Joyfully, David and Holly Peck are expecting Charles’ second great-grandchild in December. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald Thomas Buckley and Evelyn Williams Buckley, sisters Gloria Foster and Geraldine Kinsey, brother Neil Buckley, half-sister Kathryn Buckley-Peel, half-brother Tom Buckley, and son-in-law Gary Peck. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of SMSgt Charles Roger Buckley Sr. https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/2017_donate_form_2.html Services: Wednesday May 12, 2021 at 11:00AM- 12:00PM located at North Dallas Funeral Home on 2710 Valley View Ln, Dallas, TX 75234. Burial to Follow: Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery 4000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. Dallas, TX 75211 at 2:30PM. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.  

Arrangements under the direction of:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

(214) 306-6700