George Ward Buck

George Ward Buck, 77, peacefully entered Heaven on December 6, 2024, surrounded by family singing hymns.

Born February 22, 1947 to Dorman and Georgia (Smith) Buck in Cape Girardeau, MO, George enjoyed a childhood full of love and the outdoors. During adolescence, he excelled in track, holding a state record for many years, and had countless adventures with church and school friends, particularly Jim Rowland and Pat Brazel.

After graduating from Illmo-Scott City High School, George enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served from 1965 to 1969 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Throughout his life, he was a proud veteran and carried with him the dedication and determination developed through his service.

After years of friendship, George married Cinda McKee in 1969. The following year, he began working for the railroad. From Frisco to Burlington Northern to BNSF, George prided himself in being a hard-worker. His promotions led his family to Oklahoma in 1985. George retired from BNSF in 2007 after 37 years.

George’s family and life he built with Cinda were his greatest joys. His free time was dedicated to his family, woodworking, lawn work, fishing, rooting for Mizzou, playing games, and making others’ lives better. He was hilarious, fiercely loyal, quick-witted, kind, intelligent, and generous.

He made life fun.

George is survived by his treasured wife of 55 years, Cinda Buck; four children, Byron (Catrena) Buck, Melodie (Jonathan) Dougherty, Jennifer (Will Herstek) Buck, and Tara (Joey McCuistian) Buck; twelve grandchildren, Megan (Chris) Scott, Markus (Hanna) Buck, Shantel (Landon) Turner, Spencer (Madison) Buck, Zane (Tarra) Dougherty, Dalton Turner, Taylor Turner, Jordan Turner, Alex Herstek, Justin (Megan) Embrey, Halle Dougherty, and Eleanor McCuistian; fifteen great-grandchildren, Lucas, Jaxson, Paisley, Remington, Brantley, Xavier, Sophia, Addysen, Avery, Colson, Cash, Ryker, Avner, Elin, and Elise; sister, Carol Swinford; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Kenny Buck, Bob Buck, Steve Buck, and Henry Lee Buck; his sisters, Jeanette Pentecost, Linda Volz, Barb McIntyre, and Margaret Ann Buck.

As George impacted so many lives in both Oklahoma and Missouri, two services will be held. Oklahoma visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 11th at MMS-Payne Funeral Home in Claremore. Oklahoma funeral services will be held at Apostolic Worship Center in Catoosa at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 12th. Missouri services will be held through Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City. Missouri visitation will occur from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 13th. Missouri funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 14th. 

Burial will follow with full military honors at Cape County Memorial Park.

The Christmas season was George’s favorite, and we are blessed to know he is celebrating this year with God. We love you, George. OBD. DEO.