Bill Buckman

April 28, 1940 – September 30, 2025

The family of William B. “Bill” Buckman will host a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. A service to celebrate his life of 85 years is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the same location, followed by a committal service at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bill passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Born on April 28, 1940, in Lubbock, Texas, to William Boyd and Nettie Forbes Buckman, Bill was a lifelong West Texan, proud of his roots and deeply committed to his community.

In 1963, he and his lifelong friend Larry Mann began flying lessons—a shared passion that would lead them both to become commercial pilots. Bill was one of the 3 founding members of the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office Reserves under Sheriff Sonny Keesee. As a captain, and later a fully certified Texas Peace Officer, Bill was a devoted public servant who took pride in protecting others.

Later in life, even while recovering from open heart surgery, Bill remained active in the community. He managed the Sport Shooter indoor shooting range, where he taught shooting classes for Texas Tech University and offered women’s self-defense handgun safety and training. Bill was not only a teacher but also a fierce competitor. He excelled in action shooting sports, Glock competitions, and the Single Action Shooting Society, participating in Cowboy Action Shooting events. A member of three different shooting clubs, Bill was well known and respected in the shooting sports world.

He was a proud member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and deeply honored his heritage. More than anything, he was proud to be a Native Texan, never missing a chance to share that pride with others.

On April 21, 1983, Bill married Karen Kay Perkins, the love of his life. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing.

Bill is survived by his children, Russel (Cheryl) Buckman and Debby Phillips; his grandchildren, Ryan (McAllister) Buckman, Casey (Cambry) Buckman, and Grace (Corey) Ladley; and his great-grandchildren, Layla Buckman, Britton Buckman, Lindy Buckman, Bayliss Buckman, Bergan Buckman, and Shepherd Ladley.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay Buckman, and his parents, Boyd and Nettie Buckman.

The family has chosen Interim Hospice https://www.interimhealthcare.com/services/hospice, Accent Hospice https://www.accentcare.com/our-services/hospice-palliative-care/ for memorials in his memory.