John Louis Buckley

John Louis Buckley, age 71, a lifelong resident of Eaton, Ohio passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022 at home surrounded by his family including his wife of forty-four years Kim Buckley (64), son Darrell (40), daughter-in-law Michelle (40), and six grandchildren that he loved dearly; Boe (16) Brooklyn (15) Brindle (11) Bronson (10) Bentleigh (9) and Benson (6). John graduated from National Trail High School in 1969.  He was drafted six months after graduation and was a proud Vietnam War Veteran and avid patriot. John graduated from Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri in 1970 and spent his time in Vietnam as a combat engineer with the 31st engineer battalion. After his honorable discharge, John started a general contracting business (John Buckley Contracting) and contributed a great amount of effort into improving the county via completing projects such as the construction of the Preble County Humane Society, American Legion Post 377 in Camden, OH, and the Preble County Expo center. John married the love of his life in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on May 5th, 1979, they were married for two years before the birth of their son Darrell. There was nothing John valued more in his life than his family, John constantly surrounded himself with photos of his grandchildren. He spent countless hours on numerous projects for the grandkids such as a treehouse, pool, playhouses and so much more. Those who passed John's residence frequently were always greeted by the beam of his flashlight shining brightly from his favorite seat on the front porch. John was preceded in death by his father Raymond Buckley, eldest brother Robert (Bob) Buckley, Uncle Ron McLear, sister-in-law Cheryl Buckley, Niece Lisa Buckley, and Great-nephew Jordan Buckley as well as his in-laws Darrell L. Baker and Charlotte “Shorty” Baker. John is survived by his wife Kim Buckley, mother Nancy Buckley, son Darrell (Michelle) Buckley, six grandchildren, twin brother Jim (Mary) Buckley, sister Virginia Buckley, and brother Paul Buckley as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street. Funeral service for John will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery, Eaton, OH.  John’s “Farewell Tour” (Celebration of Life) will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5:00 to 11:00 pm at the American Legion Post #215 in Eaton, please bring your fondest memories and stories of John to share.  The Buckley family is requesting donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or Honor Flight Program in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.  “He stood six foot six, and weighed two-forty-five Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip, and everybody knew ya didn't give no lip to Big John.”