H. Warren Buckner

Harry Warren Buckner of Lemon Grove, California passed away on March 30, 2012 at the age of 92. Mr. Buckner is well know in San Diego for his many years of public service and leadership to the Helix Water District and other state and local water agencies, and his many years of service to the city and community of Lemon Grove.

Warren was born to Alva and Nellie Buckner in Kinderpost, MO on September 7, 1919. He grew up in University City, a suburb of St. Louis. He spent his childhood summers with his grandparents on their farm in Licking, MO. Warren’s childhood memories included the thrill of seeing Lindbergh flying the Sprit of St. Louis along the Mississippi following Lindbergh’s Paris flight.

After graduating from University City High Warren attended Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO where he earned a degree with honors in mechanical engineering. He attended Southwest Missouri Teachers College for a year where he met his college sweetheart, Virginia Weaver. They married in 1942, and after graduation, Warren took a position with Consolidated Vultee in San Diego. Warren and Virginia and their new baby, Harry Warren Jr. transferred to New Orleans in 1943. There Warren worked on the design for aircraft such as the PBY used during World War II. During this time he volunteered with the Coast Guard at the Port of New Orleans. After the war, the Buckners moved back to San Diego where Warren continued his work with Consolidated (later Convair and General Dynamics). His 33 years of working as an engineer included a rich history of airplane design and development working with stress analysis and scientific program work with early computers. Among the planes included were the PBY, Sea Dart, and B32’s, Convair 220, 880, 990 and the Atlas Centaur rocket program; some can be seen at San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Retirement from General Dynamics found Warren busier than ever, continuing with public service until late in his 80’s. From 1978 to 2005 Warren was on the Helix Water District Board. He also served with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Among many achievements, he was quite proud of the San Diego Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. He called the Garden “a hidden treasure”. His dedication to the Garden earned him a beautiful cactus and succulent garden in his name, created by his son, Michael.

Warren’s four sons, with their sports and activities, provided an active home life. Warren founded Los Torros Pop Warner Football and volunteered for the local PTA and for the Cub and Boy Scout troops in Lemon Grove. He was on the Lemon Grove School Board from 1957 to 1977, receiving the Grossmont School District laurels award in 1969. Serving as president of Lemon Grove Planning Commission from 1978-1980, the city’s first master Plan was developed. Mr. Buckner was also a former elder at Vista La Mesa Christian Church and before that at University Christian Church in San Diego. Warren’s love for nature lead him to a long and active membership in the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society where he was a life member. He instilled that love for plants in his four sons. He had a great love and knowledge of birds that he further developed in his later years. Warren was also an avid reader and possessed a wealth of knowledge for a variety of subjects. Warren also loved food; he frequented local restaurants, befriending the owners, waiters and waitresses. They all knew him well.

There is a tremendous void in our lives with Warren’s passing, but he is a man who will never be forgotten.

Warren is survived by his brother Wayne of Saint Louis Missiouri, his sons Douglas Buckner of Cardiff, Michael Buckner of San Diego, and Jeffrey Buckner of San Marino. Their wives are Betsy, Joyce and Patti. Grandchildren are Matthew Buckner Jennifer Buckner, Lindsay Buckner, Gregory Buckner and Kelsey Buckner. Warren has one great grandchild, Matthew’s son Henry Warren Buckner. Warren is predeceased by his wife, Virginia who died on July 31st of last year, and his son, Harry Warren Jr. who died in 1988.

A memorial celebration of Warren’s life will be held at Vista La Mesa Christian Church on May 12th at 1:30 p.m. Donations to the Water Conservation Garden in Warren’s name can be sent to Negri Foundation.

Please also go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/utsandiego/obituary.aspx?n=h-warren-buckner&pid=157481811

to see his San Diego Union-Tribune Obituary.