Donald L. Buckland, 86
Donald L. Buckland passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2023, in Dover, Delaware.
Born June 19th, 1937, in Peterstown, West Virginia, Don was one of nine children born to Henry and Lelia Buckland. He attended Peterstown High School where he met his wife of 64 years Linda McComas. After graduating from Peterstown High School, he attended Concord College in Athens WV, where he was a two-sport star in football and baseball. He received his BA degree in Education in 1957 then went on to earn his M.Ed. from Radford University in Radford, VA.
He started his teaching career at Narrows High School in Narrows, VA. His career brought his family to Dover, Delaware in 1965, where he began a 26-year career with the Capital School District in various Principal positions at Central Middle, Hartly Elementary and South Dover Elementary. Retiring from the CSD in 1991, he earned his Real State license and worked for Hufnal-Buckland Realty for a couple of years. He then took a role with Wilmington University working in their M.Ed. Program in 1995-96. Don was passionate about golf and was a member of Maple Dale CC and Wild Quail CC for many years, hitting the links until age 83. He also truly loved following his Grandchildren's sporting and musical events.
Throughout his life he enjoyed traveling with Linda and friends. Their travels brought them to countless places in the United States and foreign countries, most notably: Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Greece, Egypt, China, Italy, England, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and several Caribbean Islands. He loved music, in particular country music, and enjoyed playing guitar and singing. He also loved spending time with his family at their beach home in Pots Nets, boating, fishing, crabbing and clamming especially with his Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Buckland; and parents, Henry and Lelia Buckland. Also, his sisters, Ruby Lawrence, Mary Williams, Ernestine Lawrence, Norris "Pretty" Dillon; and brothers, Garfield Buckland, Alfred Buckland, James Buckland and Henry Buckland Jr.
Don is survived by his son, Gary Buckland (Niki); his daughter, Gwendolyn Clark (Jimmy); his five grandchildren, Ryan Buckland (Jackie), Lindsay Lucas (Zak), Eric Buckland (Scottie), Paige Clark, Mitchell Clark; and three great grandchildren, Ian Buckland, Zachary Lucas Jr., Kaia Buckland; and many nieces and nephews.
His family was precious to him, and it showed in every way.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Donald's name to: Unlocke The Light Foundation online at Unlockethelight.com Whatcoat Church Camden (Whatcoat.com)
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com