Clair Herbert Buckingham

Clair Buckingham, age 93, of Mesa, AZ peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord on August 16, 2024. Clair was born in Willard, Ohio on November 24, 1930 to Melvin and Eva Buckingham. He was the second child, but has been considered the eldest as his older sister died as an infant. Clair grew up in this small rural community and graduated high school in 1948 from New Haven HIgh school. While a student there, he enjoyed playing basketball and learning a farmer’s trade. Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Machinist’s Mate on the USS Des Moines. While he served during the time of the Korean War, his ship was deployed in another part of the world and saw no military action. During his time in the Navy, he met and married Rita Ann Moomaw, also from Willard, OH. He would become father to four children. After finishing his service in the Navy, he returned to Willard and began to work in the Allis Chalmers farm equipment business owned by his father. He was the primary mechanic for the business for nearly 20 years. In 1968, due to Rita’s health issues, Clair moved his family to Mesa, AZ, where he resided ever since. He took a position as a mechanic at Naumann Fork Lift in Phoenix where he stayed until he retired. Clair was active in his church throughout his life, serving on committees and leading men’s groups. A highlight of his church work was being the bus driver and youth counselor for St. Andrews Singers, a youth choir that traveled the country using music to spread the gospel message during the 1970s. Clair impacted others through his strength, character, calm spirit, patience, and wise counsel. After an extended illness, his wife Rita passed away in 2013. During this season of his life, Clair was the faithful caregiver for Rita, serving her selflessly. They were married 61 years. In 2015 he met and married Karen Ashby of Mesa, AZ. He enjoyed her company until his passing. They were married for almost 9 years. Because of his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior, he has the assurance of eternal life. He has joined many of his family in worship and praise in the presence of Almighty God.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Eva Buckingham, his brothers Lloyd Buckingham and Paul Buckingham both of WIllard, OH, and his brother James Buckingham of Newport News, VA; his wife Rita Buckingham, his son Daniel Buckingham, his daughter Cynthia Bruner, all of Mesa, AZ.

He is survived by his wife Karen Buckingham, sister Karen Fichtelman of Sunbury, OH, sons Richard Buckingham (Gwen) and Joe Buckingham (Patty) of Mesa, AZ, daughter-in-law Jeannie Buckingham of Mesa, AZ, step-daughters Jackie Kenner and Katie Rezek of Queen Creek, AZ, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Master Presbyterian Church, 6659 E University Dr, in Mesa, AZ on Saturday August 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the church facility. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Faith Christian School, PO Box 9086, Mesa, AZ 85214. This ministry was dear to Clair’s heart and he served on the board and as a volunteer for many years.