Charles Buckminster

A Celebration of Life Service for Charles Ernest Buckminster age 82 of Lahoma will be 2:00 pm Wednesday at the Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Rev. Bill Smith officiating with Joshua Lavicky assisting. Burial will follow in the Sunnyside Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the funeral home.

Charles began his earthly life June 15, 1936, the fifth child of Norval and Alice Buckminster of Lahoma, Ok. He loved growing up in the country and was proud of his heritage of farming and ranching, especially the ranching side. He liked to reminisce the time, as a young boy, he received a rope as a Christmas present. He soon became attached to his rope and would, through the years, find many uses for ropes. There were always several ropes in his dually pick-up and they were his favorite tools.

As a youngster he received a Bible from his Grandpa Finkenbinder and this was the beginning of his love for the Bible. He formed the habit of reading the Bible every night and this continued throughout his life. He joined the Drummond Congregational Church as a child and was always inspired by searching the scriptures. Later in life he also became a student of Christian Science.

Charles began his formal education attending Spencer, a one room country school one mile from the family home. He and his four older sisters would walk to school. He would attend there for 2 ½ years and loved telling stories of those days, both learning, evening activities, and what the school house was like. He would then attend Drummond Grade School, Emerson Jr. High, and Enid High School, graduating in 1954.

Charles strongly believed in preserving the land and soil. He loved working with his cattle and was a proud Polled Herford Breeder. He was humbled to be awarded the Oklahoma Hereford Association Commercial Breeder of the Year, and Hall of Fame award.

Through the years there would be many opportunities to share his love for the land and his cattle. Having the opportunity to host various groups was a real joy. Hosting a group of veterinarians and cattlemen from Uruguay was a special highlight.

Charles was thrilled to have the pleasure of owning and operating the Centennial farm which his Grandfather, Ernest Buckminster claimed during the Great Land Run of 1893.

Giving back to the community was important as well and Charles served on the board of the Lahoma Co-operative; Drummond Co-operative; Garfield County Farm Bureau; Garfield County Sirloin Club; Garfield County Cattleman’s Association; and Garfield County Soil Conservation Commission. He was awarded as an Honorary Chapter Farmer from the Lahoma Vocational FFA; President of the Oklahoma Hereford Association; a life member of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, having served as it’s District Director; he was a member of the National Cattleman’s Association, and thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Garfield County Rural Rotatory Club for over 39 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy (Womack) Buckminster, of the home, a constant companion and helpmate throughout the years. They were married April 26, 1958 and Charles was eager to tell others that they had been married for over 60 years. Also surviving are two children, Robin Buckminster of Carrier; Justin Buckminster and wife Susan, of Lahoma; three grandchildren, Joshua Lavicky and wife Angie, of Yukon, OK; Heather Boehs and husband Eric, of Enid; Matthew Buckminster, of Lahoma; seven great grandchildren, Nicholas, Marissa, Vanessa, Christian, Clara, Allie, and Layla; two sisters, Norvella Nelson, of Carrier; Alice Dierksen and husband Ronald, of Belle Plaine, KS; one brother, Cliff Buckminster and wife Jean, of Lahoma; many nieces, nephews and his cherished friends. Charles was preceded in death by three sisters, Virginia Hill, Dorothy Went and Evelyn Young, and an infant brother John.

Those who wish to make memorial contributions in Charles name may donate to the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, the Oklahoma Hereford Association, or the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.