Robert “Bucky” Buckwalter

Robert “Bucky” Buckwalter, 93, passed away at home peacefully on August 24th, 2026 with family by his side. A funeral service will be held 11am Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Lanark, with visitation one hour prior from 10-11 am Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport. Memorials may be made to Mercy Health FHN Hospice.

Bob was born on November 16, 1932, in Woodland Township, Carroll County, Illinois, the son of Howard Franklin “Frank” Buckwalter and Sadie G. (Kimpel) Buckwalter. He began working at the age of 14 on the family farm after leaving school, developing the strong work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life.

On August 2, 1963, Bob married Thelma Louise Colbert (Brinkmeier). Together, they shared 30 years of marriage and had two children, Brenda (Roger) Workman of Morrison, Illinois, and Robert Dean Buckwalter. Bob also welcomed Thelma’s children, Linda L. Witmer, Carole J. Michael, and , Connie L. Tyler into his family. He was affectionately known as “Poppy” by his children and grandchildren. Following Thelma’s passing, Bob was blessed to share the last 20-plus years of his life with his significant other, Vicki Hoskins, and they resided in Lanark.

Bob was a hardworking man who spent his life providing for his family. After beginning on the family farm, he went on to haul milk for Kraft Foods, drive a semi for Warner’s Trucking, and work for Rogers Ready Mix in Lanark. He later spent 10 years working at FS in Lanark before retiring.

While Bob took great pride in his work, he also knew how to enjoy life. He had a passion for stock car racing, especially watching the races at Freeport Raceway with his family. He was a devoted fan of John Wayne movies and could watch even his favorites countless times. Right up until the end, he could tell his family exactly what was going to happen next.

Bob also enjoyed attending auctions and had a knack for finding things he wanted. When something caught his eye, there was not much that would keep him from bringing it home. Brenda and Jamie were his sidekicks, while Dean waited for the call to haul his latest treasures home. He collected many things; one of his favorites was John Deere cast-iron tractors, or anything that he thought was unique.

He enjoyed his daily routines and the familiar faces he encountered along the way. He often met friends for coffee at the “Farmers Table” at the Highway Cafe. Once that closed, they carried on the meeting of the minds at Brothers Restaurant in Lanark. The waitresses knew him well and would often ask, “Want water, Bob?” His answer never changed: “Nope. People drown in water.”

His quick wit and sense of humor were a defining part of who he was. Bob was still sharing his wit until the end. The hospice nurses and CNAs caught on real quick; they knew if he was quiet, something was not right.

More than anything, Bob loved his family. He was a proud grandfather to Jamie Lynn Jansen of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; Brock R. Smith and Bryce G. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee; Bryn L. Buckwalter of Bonner Springs, Kansas; Travis (Ali) Buckwalter of Dixon, Illinois; and AngieMichael of Freeport. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Drake Jansen of Pearl City; Emily Janssen of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; Elijah Michael of Freeport; and great-granddaughters Layna Buckwalter and Kennedy Buckwalter.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Brenda (Roger) Workman of Morrison and Robert Dean Buckwalter; stepchildren Carole J. Michael and Connie L. Tyler; significant other of 20-plus years, Vicki Hoskins of Lanark; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Ronald (Patricia) Buckwalter; nephews Ron (Darlene) Buckwalter and Chad Buckwalter (Holly), both of Mt. Carroll; and nieces Kathy Begani and Beth “Cookie” Valenta.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 30 years, Thelma; stepdaughter Linda L. Witmer; son-in-law Don Witmer; stepsister Betty; and his parents, Frank and Sadie Buckwalter.