Raymond Buckley

Raymond was known for many years as simply Ray Buckley of the Better Business Bureau.  At the age of 103, Ray left his earthly existence, family and friends on December 24, 2017 to join those who have gone before to be saints and await those yet to join him.

Ray was one of the longest in years of employment by the nation’s Better Business Bureau, having joined the staff of The Kansas City BBB in 1946 following his discharge from the service in the U.S. Army.   Accompanying him in those days was his wartime bride, Severine (Koch) Buckley, who took up their lives together after a separation of two years and two months.

Ray’s employment at the Kansas City BBB ran from 1946 to 2003.  He was president and general manager of the Bureau for 57 years.  During his tenure as chief office of the BBB, the organization established itself financially and functionally as one of the most productive Bureaus nationwide.

Ray served in the U.S. and the European theater with the Third Armored Division and was part of the division from the day it was organized at Camp Polk, La.  His ability as a musician was instrumental in his assignment to the Third Armored Division Band.  He received a discharge and recognition as a first sergeant band leader for continuing leadership of the services rendered under combat conditions as acting warrant officer.  He was awarded the Bronze star medal and the Middle Eastern Service Medal with 5 bronze stars.  He was involved in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central European Campaigns.

Ray, with some loving support from his mother, and income from a part time job in a printing shop, and playing trombone for pay was able to support himself and earned a degree from the KU School of Journalism in 1939.  Ray was born near Garden City, Missouri and graduated in 1932 from Garden City High School.

Following his discharge from the Army, he and his wife settled in Kansas City.  They subsequently purchased a post-war home on the GI government loan program located on west 63rd Terrace.  Early in their lives together, Ray and Sev joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, Kansas and was pleased to have participated in worship and educational programs at church.  Ray and Sev taught Sunday School classes, attended worship services and served on various committees.   Ray was a member of the church choir for many years.  Ray’s favorite hymn is “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross” Ray was honored to have served a term as President of the Trinity Lutheran Church in earlier days in the life of the congregation.  “Were the whole realm of nature mine-It were a tribute far too small, love so amazing so divine, demands my life, my love, my all.”

Ray had one brother, Herman, and his mother, Ann (Orth) Buckley who preceded him in death.  He is survived by his son, David L. Buckley(Jan) of Overland park; daughter, Carolann Gregoire (Tom) of Columbus, Ohio; grandsons: Paul Steinberg, Nick Buckley and Eric Gregoire; granddaughter, Tahlia Buckley and many other loving friends and family.

Memorials may be given in memory of Ray to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W. 75th St. Prairie Village, KS 66208 or to the Operation Wildlife, 23375 Guthrie Road, Linwood, KS 66052