Stephen Gary Buckles

Stephen Gary Buckles of Nashville TN died Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born on June 11, 1943, to Orland and Leighfern Buckles who preceded him in death. Steve graduated from Grinnell College and received his Ph.D. in Economics from Vanderbilt in 1976. In 1970 he married a Vanderbilt classmate, Mary Parker Harmon, and they were together for 54 years until her death in December 2024. Steve leaves many friends in both Nashville and in Darien CT where he and Parker had a home for 36 years. Steve is survived by his brother, Michael D. Buckles of Overland Park, Kansas and his wife Brenda.

Steve retired from Vanderbilt University in 2023 as a Principal Senior Lecturer and former Professor of Economics. He enjoyed his students and found great satisfaction in teaching as evidenced by being the recipient of numerous awards, including the Madison Sarratt Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (Vanderbilt), the Kenneth G. Elzinga Distinguished Teaching Award (Southern Economic Association), and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Vanderbilt). He also served as President of the Council for Economic Education and was an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Steve was an avid traveler and sailor who cherished adventures with Parker, his family and his friends. He strived to walk daily and loved to observe local nature, especially the eagles at Radnor Lake and those on Great Island. Steve had a generous and warm heart, and a great sense of humor that he maintained throughout his illness.

A memorial service will be held this summer in Darien CT. Memorial gifts may be made to Grinnell College, Friends of Green Hills Park (Nashville) or to Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820.