With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gerald (Jerry) Buckland (84), whose wit, spirit and selflessness touched countless lives. He ended his long battle with Parkinson’s peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday August 14th.

Jerry was married to the love of his life, Wilma (Fischer), for nearly 63 years. Together they built a life centered on their beloved daughters Julia Seeds (Tom) and Donna Gallen (Larry) and their cherished grandchildren, Elle, Tori and Quinn (Megan) and great granddaughter Nora. When Elle was young, he was determined to move from Ohio to Missouri to be close to her — a choice that spoke to how deeply he loved her. Poppy spent countless hours playing with the girls as they grew, and he adored them beyond measure, second only to his devotion to Wilma.

He proudly served his country in the US Air Force for 20 years and that pride never left him. He looked back fondly on his time in the military and cherished the lifelong friends he made along the way.

Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures: rounds of golf, games of poker and cribbage with friends, sampling Wilma’s cookies and pies, working in his yard and everything nature.

Poppy is loved by many and will be immensely missed. The love he showed his family and friends was enormous; it will be felt for decades to come. We love you, Poppy.

There will be a wake at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ballwin, MO at 10am on Monday August 24th, followed by a funeral mass at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in honor of Jerry to The Fisher House (provides free lodging for military and veteran families during medical crisis) or to The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s (dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s through activity-based programs).