Richard Eugene Buckallew

Richard Eugene Buckallew “Gene” was born in Tampa Florida to Bobbie and Betty (Morgan) Buckallew on November 14, 1952. He was surrounded by family and cared for in his home up until he passed peacefully on Thursday, June 1, 2023, with family at his side.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield with Pastor David Blakely officiating.  Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery in Brookfield.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials to Saving Every Victim may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

Gene lived in Brookfield and attended Immaculate Conception Elementary then continued his education in The Halls of Brookfield High School graduating with the class of 1970. After graduation he signed on with the Burlington Northern railroad as a conductor following in his dad’s footsteps and retired as an engineer in 2016. He then joined the Air Force in November of 1970. He was a Staff Sergeant E 5 at Eglin Air Force base. He served one year in Thailand during the Vietnam war. He was honorably discharged in November 1974. 

During his time at Eglin Air Force base he met Wanda Pauline Norton in Maryester Florida. Gene and his roommates were the new boys in town and Wanda with her friend went to check them out. They had their first date on a walk for charity which began their lives of helping others and participating in community activities. 

They married on July 6, 1974. In November of 1974 they moved back to Brookfield MO. In Brookfield, they raised their three children and participated and supported the community in many ways. 

Survivors include his wife, Wanda of the home; three children, Jason Buckallew and wife, Lindsee and their children Tessa, Sadie and Nate; Jennifer (Buckallew) Campbell and husband, Dorron and their children Kyren and Adrien, and Jacob Buckallew and girlfriend, Karissa Kroner; one sister, Debbie Scott and husband Jake; three brothers, Michael Buckallew and wife Judy, Gregory Buckallew and wife Barbara, and Robert Buckallew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

Gene coached many through the years. Including all of his own plus those he took on and loved as well. Brookfield kids wrestling was one he spent many hours coaching. Youth softball city league and then with grandkids as they started sports. 

Gene was active in the community and participated in the Christmas Rotary Club shopping, past Lions Club member, Brookfield Athletic Booster Club and worked the Gary Haag Invitational many years. He was also an officer with the railroad union. 

Gene, also known as BooBoo was always willing to stir up the daycare kids and then leave once they were riled up. Many wrestling matches happened in the living room of their home with broken lamps and fans left over. Gene was always willing to sit down and play cards with anyone who would join. Pinochle and Cribbage were at the top of the card list. 

Gene took over his dad’s peanut butter fudge legacy and his tin is well known by the look as to what was going to be inside for all to have. Gene and Wanda traveled as much as they could. Cruises, mountains, camping and any other adventures they wanted to take off on. Gene even had Wanda riding the Harley for a short time. 

Gene had lots of interests including fishing and hunting but more than hunting he loved all types of firearms and shooting was something he enjoyed as well. Going to car shows to see Hot Rods and any of the classic autos was really enjoyable for him, he could visit with the best of them regarding hotrods. In the spring and summer Gene spent the majority of his time outside working in the yard, tending to the garden or flowers.

Gene had always had a motorcycle and he loved going for rides with friends or just out on his own for a long ride.

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