Robert O'Neal Buck, 90, died April 11, 2022, at Northcrest Community. A celebration of life service will be 3:30 p.m. Monday April 18, 2022, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church 159 Sheldon Ave, Ames, IA 50014. A private burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Bob was born January 12, 1932, at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, the third of four boys born to Harold G. and Margaret M. Buck. He attended Welch School from kindergarten (where he met his future wife, Anne Knuths) through 9th grade. At Ames High School, he was very active in sports, earning 9 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and captain in basketball. He graduated in 1950. Bob & Anne were married Aug 24th, 1951. After Bob's 1954 graduation from I.S.U., they spent the next 2 years at Ft. McClellan in Alabama and Fort Lewis in Washington while Bob served in the Army, he participated in 6 atomic blasts most in six-foot-deep trenches and training troops in making maps of radiation isograms. They returned to Ames in 1956, and in 1961 started Buck Construction Co. Inc., which specialized in custom homes, remodeling, and land development. They worked together in the business, with Bob as Pres. & Treas. And Anne serving as V.P., Sec, Bookkeeper, & decorator until retiring in the year 2000.
He has been a member of the Collegiate Presbyterian Church his whole life, serving as a trustee, and held offices in the Ames Jaycees, Ames Homebuilder Assoc., and served time on the Ames Public Library board, Octagon, Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames School advisory council.
He is survived by his wife, Anne K. Buck, of Ames, sons Bruce (Charla) Buck (Osprey, FL) and Steven Buck (Ames, IA), daughter Lisa Buck Marino (Ames, IA) and 2 grandchildren, Robby (Marissa) (Glendale, CA) & Elisabeth Marino (Ames, IA) and brother J. Ben (Sarah) Buck of Ames and nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death and brothers Bill and Jim.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Ames Historical Museum.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcreamtioncare.com
Buck Construction built clearly superior homes! Having grown up in a Buck house custom built for my parents, and then comparing it to many other houses I've lived in over 60 years, I greatly appreciate the quality details and workmanship of that Ames Westbend house. You can't get houses built like that any more.
I'm not sure that Uncle Bob and Aunt Anne know what an impact they have had on their family over the years. I still remember visiting their home in the 70's when I was young. I have pictures of when my parents and sister visited them years later. Aunt Anne is the last of my mothers living siblings and the two of them hold a very dear place in the Smith family hearts. Our deepest condolences to all the Buck family. Jill Austin
I'm Gordon Shepherd. I grew up with Bob my next door neighbor, playing together as kids, shooting baskets at our home driveway courts, exploring the ravines behind our houses. I was so lucky to connect again with Bob and Anne on my visit to ISU in 2019. I was in touch with a member of the Buck family after that visit but have lost the contact. Please send me your email and tell me how to donate to the Ames Historical Museum in Bob's name. My condolences to Anne, and to my childhood buddy Ben and all the Buck family.
We have been very lucky to have lived in 2 homes, both built by Bob Buck. Both were very well built & stylish. It also was a joy to visit occasionally with Bob & Anne, when out for walks or at History society presentations. Bob was a wonderful person (as is Anne) and will be greatly missed.
We are so grateful that our paths crossed in this life with Bob and Anne when we bought a house from him. He was the kindest most gentle and humble man and it was our pleasure to have known him. Our sympathies to the family.
Service
Ames, IA 50014
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