Desdemona, Texas has lost one of its best. Jerry Hansford "Boone" Buckley passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at his home with his loving family by his side. He joined his loving wife, Patricia Ann Williams Buckley, in Heaven. They were married February 26, 1956. Jerry was a loving husband, father, granddad, and great granddad.

Jerry was born February 4, 1932, in Gorman, Texas to Rufus and Claudia Buckley. He graduated from Desdemona High School in 1950. Jerry had two brothers, James and Joe Donald, and they walked and traveled all over the Desdemona Community while growing up. Everyone knew the Buckley brothers.

In 1951, Jerry joined the United States Navy and served for four years. His ships took journeys all over the world and he spent months at a time out to sea, docking and spending deployment time in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines. After his honorable service to his country was completed, he returned to civilian life and worked on the oil rigs in West Texas.  This is when he met the love of his life, Patricia Williams. They were married and returned home to Desdemona in 1956 where he was employed with the Mobile Plant. His career then took them back out west to Midland, Abilene, Eula, and Clyde for various positions. He spent many years living on and caring for the Armstrong Ranch and was a top welder for Automation.

In 1964, Jerry and Patricia moved their family back home to Desdemona for one last time. He was able to begin his dream life of farming and ranching, while raising his family on his homeplace. Jerry farmed steadily the remainder of his days up until his passing. Many will remember his commendable cow working, horse roping, and farming knowledge, as well as his welding skills. He especially loved his Hereford and Santa Gertrudis cattle, and peanut farming. Jerry enjoyed fishing with his brother James on the Colorado River at Bend.

Jerry loved all the holidays and celebrating with his four kids and their families. He was his happiest when he had his home full of all of his family. In his last several years, he enjoyed a dear friendship with George Ann Salter. They loved to go out to eat, attend Desdemona dances, and join in community activities at the Desdemona Activity Center together. Jerry was a loyal and loving man who will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy Abbey and husband, David; Melinda Gaines and husband, Donnel; two sons, John Buckley and wife, Kathy, and Jeff Buckley and wife, Candice; brother, James Buckley and his two sons, Lester and David Buckley; very special friend, George Ann Salter; grandkids, Dayva McMullen and husband, Jacob, Cassie Deubler and husband, Alan, Latisha Bartley, Selina Hodges and husband, Cody, Scott Walker and wife, Shahala, Jenni Koehler and husband, Chad, Kristin Buckley, Chelsea Buckley, Haley Buckley, Brittney Stewart and husband, MJ, Alanna Hubbard, and Madison Hernandez and husband, Jorge; great grandkids, Carter and Ella McMullen, Harrison and Kealan Deubler, LaKyla, Karli and Kreed Bartley, Ansel and Carsyn Hodges, Delton and Sawyer Walker,  McKenzy, Charlie and Aubrey Koehler, AJ, Case and Blakely Stewart, Nate, Leo, Phoenix, Mila and Willow Hernandez; and other extended family.

Jerry has been reunited with his loving wife, Patricia Buckley; parents, Rufus and Claudia Buckley; and brother, Joe Donald Buckley.

Funeral services celebrating Jerry's life were held Sunday, October 3, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Desdemona First Baptist Church with Brother Johnny Hart and Pastor Michael Joiner officiating. Jerry was laid to rest beside his wife, Patricia, in Desdemona Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Jerry's honor can be made to the Desdemona Activity Center or to the Desdemona Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com .