Blair Buckley Jr

Lt. Col. (Retired) Blair Buckley Jr., age 83, died peacefully at home on Jan. 16, 2012. He was born Jan. 12, 1929, to the late Bonnie (Hart) and Blair Buckley of Hayti, Mo. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., class of ’52, he was a decorated veteran who served in Korea as well as two tours in Vietnam. During his distinguished 20 years of military service, he received a master’s degree in English from Cornell University, later teaching at West Point, but his most professionally rewarding tour was with the Special Forces, leading the Montagnards in Vietnam. Upon retiring from the Army, he earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, followed by his doctor of law degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. A champion for justice, he continued his life of service to others by embarking on a second career as a public defender in New Madrid and Pemiscot Counties in Southeast Missouri. He retired to Fayetteville, Ark., in 1994. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. An avid outdoors man, he enjoyed taking all seven of his grandchildren white-water rafting on the Snake River in Idaho. While in his 70s, he joined the High-Pointers’ Club, and reached the highest points of 36 states before age 80. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Barbara Buckley Pease. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty Buckley and their five children, whom he considered to be his greatest life accomplishment, and of whom he was most proud: Elizabeth Curtis of Lowell, Ark.; Blair Buckley III of Shreveport, La.; Ann Hency of The Woodlands, Texas; Georgia Franks of San Antonio, Texas; and Robert Buckley of Asheville, N.C.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At his request, the family plans a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 614 E. Emma Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72764. Please visit www.nelsonberna.com to sign the online guestbook. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory, Fayetteville, Ark.