Wayne E. Buck

Wayne Eugene Buck, CW04, 84, of Girard, passed away peacefully at his home on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.

Born May 24, 1941, in Donnellson, Iowa, Wayne was the proud son of the late Harry and Opal (Ott) Buck. A 1958 high school graduate, he answered the highest call of duty enlisting in the United States Navy immediately after graduation, fulfilling a lifelong dream of service to his country and achieving a rank of CW04.

Wayne dedicated more than three decades - 30 years and 7 days - to the United States Navy, including active duty during the Vietnam War. His distinguished career carried him across the globe, where he upheld the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment. He retired honorably with full military honors in 1989 while he was stationed in San Diego, California.

After retiring from the military, Wayne and his beloved wife, Kathleen Ann (Mowbray) Buck, relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family and begin a new chapter together. Wayne brought his tireless work ethic to Festival Foods, Norandex, Erie Times News, and, eventually, Erie Sand and Gravel, where he served faithfully until his second retirement in 2008.

In retirement Wayne and Kathleen embraced life side by side - traveling, taking long drives, attending sporting events, and simply cherishing the life they had lovingly built over 47 years of marriage. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love, loyalty and shared joy.

Wayne lived with purpose and passion. He was an avid runner, golfer and bowler; competing in numerous leagues, tournaments and races. He bowled several perfect 300 games, placed first in his age group in many races, and pursued every round of golf with the same discipline he brought to military service.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Robert and Josephine (White) Mowbray; and his brothers-in-law; Robert Mowbray Jr., Gary P. Mountain and Paul J. Anthony.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen, whose unwavering support was the foundation of his post military life; his son, Wayne Buck Jr. (Trisha) and their children, Taylor (Cody); along with great-granddaughter, Avery; Tieler (Anna),and Wayne E. Buck III "Tre". He is also survived by his daughter, Victoria Erikson and their family in Arizona as well as his sister, Wanda and brother-in-law Dale, along with two nieces, Teresa and Christine.

Wayne's extended Erie family includes sister-in-law; Mary Mountain and Darlene Anthony; goddaughter and niece, Lisa Renee (Anthony) Slupski (Herb); and nieces and nephews: Richard Lehman, Michael Lehman (Shannon), Marlene (Lehman) Stranges (Adam), Aaron Anthony and Ashley Fenton (Curt). He also leaves behind six great nieces and nephews, each of whom he held close to the heart.

Wayne was a man of profound honor and was deeply proud to serve his nation and to live as a dedicated American patriot. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of UPMC Family Hospice of Erie, especially Kat and Michelle, for the devoted support in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wayne's honor to Liberty House, under the care of EUMA, 728 West 9th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16502 or at https://euma-erie.org/get-involved/donate.html.

Friends are welcomed to pay respects during visitation on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC, 309 Main Street E, Girard, PA.  The Funeral Service will follow on Friday, August 15th at 10:00am at the funeral home, with military honors to follow at the Girard Cemetery.

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