Joseph P. Buckler

Joseph Phillip Buckler, 87, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on September 25, 2023, at 2:10 P.M. Joseph was born to Zack and Virginia (Lowden) Buckler, in Platte City, Missouri, on June 8, 1936.  Joseph was joined in marriage to Shirley Mae (Spence) Buckler, of Marion, Indiana, on December 17, 1954.  They were happily married for 67 years.  Shirley was received into her heavenly home on January 13, 2022.

Joseph and Shirley were blessed with three children, Virginia B. (Buckler) Brown (Rick), David W. Buckler (Melissa), and John E. Buckler (Leticia), all of Marion, Indiana; 11 grandchildren Becky Davis, Deric and Diane Brown, Holly, David, Patrick, Joel, and Jaydon Buckler, Jason and Ethan Shrout and Nevaeh Arnold; 11 great-grandchildren Alandra King, Adrienne, Elijah and Charlotte Davis, Ezra, Adelaide, Samuel and Vivianna Buckler, Emma and Sophie Brown and Avery Shrout.  Great-grandchild #12 is expected to arrive in February of 2024!

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Mary Buckler; sisters Bonnie Brubaker and Gloria (Dean) Fones; great-grandson Elijah Michael Davis (March 1, 2013); wife Shirley Mae Buckler (January 13, 2022), daughter Virginia Belle Buckler Brown (April 21, 2022) and brother Zach T. Buckler (April 25, 2022).

Joseph loved to sing and play his guitar.  He especially loved to write "ditties" for his family and friends - short rhyming jingles set to a melody that celebrated both big milestones and everyday life.  He and his family traveled throughout the United States singing and playing Southern Gospel Music as The Buckler Family Singers.  Joseph was always quick to share the Gospel and lead many people to Jesus.  His joyful spirit and tender heart were a testament to the goodness of God in his life.  Joseph worked at General Motors and many Sundays would get home from singing and traveling at 5 in the morning and then would be ready to clock in for work Monday morning.  He gives all the credit to Jesus and always used to say, "I need to write a book of the things that Jesus has done for me.  You wouldn't believe it!"  Joseph was a man of prayer and strong faith.  He had a sixth-grade education but said, "That never stopped me.  God just kept opening doors for me."  By being faithful, listening to the Lord, and stepping in faith, through the doors that were opened, Joe eventually obtained the job in which he would retire.  He was an electrician at General Motors for 34 years.  He hired on in 1968 and was able to retire in 2002.  After the family began to grow too large to fit in the "Miracle Van", so named for the miraculous amount of miles that was able to be driven, Joe and his family were active in serving at Westside Assembly, First Assembly, Lighthouse Assembly, and Church of God of Prophecy churches.  Joe and his wife continued to play, sing, and minister well into their 80's.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  The family will receive visitors Friday, September 29, 2023, at Lighthouse Assembly of God at 5909 South Jay Street Marion, Indiana 46953 from 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Immediately following the time of visitation, there will be a service to celebrate Joseph's life beginning at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Jerry Gallaway officiating. Burial will take place at Estates of Serenity.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Joe to Lighthouse Assembly of God.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com