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William “Donald” Buckley
1930-2022
A true loss came to the Buckley family on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 with the passing of Don after a brief illness.
Don was born to Vera and William Buckley. He was the oldest of 4 siblings. He grew up in Stringer, MS and later the family moved to New Albany. He started high school there and loved playing football. When he graduated high school he accepted a football scholarship to Northwest Jr. College and then to Delta State He then attended Mississippi State University where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Business.
Don worked for General Motors after he graduated. In 1954 he married Kathleen Bingham from Winona. They moved to Starkville in 1959 and this became their permanent home. They had two sons, Bill and Bob. Don loved coaching his boys and their friends in baseball and football. Through the years he loved to hear his former players call him “Coach Buckley”. Don also coached in the Starkville Open Football League and later served on the Park Commission. Don was a dedicated member of the Lions Club where he also served a term as President.
Upon retirement from General Motors, Don enjoyed playing golf and taking trips to the beach with his family and friends. In his later years Don enjoyed oil and water color painting.
In 2004 Don married Peggy Mullins. They both loved watching the Mississippi State Bulldogs play all sports.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 48 years, Kathleen Buckley, his brother, Dale and sister, Patsy.
Survivors include his wife Peggy of 18 years, his sister, Judy Webster (Jon) His children: Bill (LaNette) Buckley of Jackson, TN and Dr. Bob (Kim) Buckley of Tupelo, MS. Peggy’s children: Larry (Janet) Mullins of Starkville, Pam (Dan) Plager of Tampa, FL, and Trisha Edmiston of Charlotte, NC. Grandchildren: Trey (Samantha) Buckley, Tyler (Brittany) Buckley, Hayden Buckley, Houston Buckley, Jonathan, Jackson and Jesse Cain, Mamie (Paul) Kosko, and Parker Mullins, great grandchildren: Bailey, Garrett and Mary Mullins Kosko, Lawson Mullins, Hanna and Will Edmiston, Samantha (Nick) Gimbrone, Max (Sabrina) Plager and many loved nieces and nephews.
Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Starkville Country Club at 3:00.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Delta State Fund, The MSU Foundation or a charity of your choice.
