Mr. Walter E. Buckmaster, 87, of Walkerton, IN, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, at Walkerton-Miller’s Merry Manor.
He was born Nov. 11, 1927, in LaPorte to Clyde and Marie (Goethals) Buckmaster.
Walter had worked at Screw Machine Co., Five Star Supermarket, Hamilton Grove Communities and White Farm Equipment. Walter was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of LaPorte American Legion Post 83. He was a graduate of Stillwell School, where he played basketball. He enjoyed playing word puzzles.
He married Margaret (Long) Buckmaster, who preceded him in death; Mildred (Slater) Buckmaster, who preceded him in death; and first wife, Betty Jean (Gribble) Buckmaster, who preceded him in death.
His parents, three brothers and three sisters also preceded him in death.
He is survived by two sons, Phillip (Terri) Buckmaster of Walkerton and Michael (Melodie) Buckmaster Sr. of LaPorte; numerous stepsons and stepdaughters; five grandchildren, Michael Buckmaster, Alan Buckmaster, Dawn Buckmaster; Brian Vermilyer and Blaine Vermilyer; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Sandra) Buckmaster of Walkerton; two sisters, Jean Collings of North Liberty, IN, and Ellen Thomas of LaPorte; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bill Barnes officiating. A military service will be conducted by LaPorte American Legion Post 83 at the funeral home. Burial of ashes will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to LaPorte American Legion Post 83, 228 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.