Russell Buck

Russell H. “Holly” Buck, 80, Sandborn, passed from this world on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at his home with his family close by. He died from complications of colon cancer, which he had bravely fought for nearly eight years. He was born in Bicknell, the first child and son of Russell B. And Sarah A. (Hollis) Buck on February 4, 1937. He later had a sister, Melissa (Puckett) who predeceased him in 2000 and a brother, John, who currently resides in Freelandville.
He was a graduate of Bicknell High School, class of 1955, and married a classmate, the love of his life, Frieda V. Casey on October 26, 1956. Two children were born, Virginia (Don) Shine of Bloomington and Robert H. Buck of Bloomfield. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Daniel (Lisa) Lankford of Indianapolis, Seth (Saskia) Lankford of Munster, Germany; and three great-grandchildren, Deacon, Liam and Dalia.
Holly was always interested in how things were put together and spent many happy hours tinkering in his various radio rooms, building and tweaking projects and talking around the world on his amateur radio system. He was a charter member of the Lawrence/Orange County amateur radio club and helped organize many radio “ham” fests. He loved electronics and a had a collection of LED clocks and other gadgets that he made. He and Frieda lived in Orleans, IN for many years and he was always proud to say that they had one of the first few color televisions in town before color was the norm.
He worked for 37 years for various telephone companies, ending with Verizon Communications as an electronics technician and many people knew him as the “telephone man.” Throughout his career, he saw many changes in the communication from operator required telephone service on party lines to high speed equipment and cellular phone. Holly was active in the Masonic Lodge and would have celebrated his 50th year as a Mason, achieving Master Mason and Worshipful Master. He was also a member of the Sandborn Lions Club, serving as treasurer, a job he truly enjoyed especially during the County Fair and at Fish Fry time. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Edwardsport and donated his time in many ways, including making the church bulletin.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home Bicknell Chapel with Pastor John Trotter officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Bicknell Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Edwardsport. Online condolences may be made at www.fredrickandson.com.

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