Arthur P. Buckner, 60, of Burlington Iowa, died Saturday, March 29, 2025. Born April 13, 1965, to Thomas and Joy Buckner, probably with a tool of some sort already in his grasp, he was already ready to take on the world, well, Burlington at least.
He spent MONTHS chasing and begging, his now wife, Valarie, for a date. After months of no’s he finally wore her down and she accepted, and on December 13, 1997, they said their wedding vows. He finally managed to get the girl.
As a youngster, he worked for his family's business “Koch’s Supplies” and continued to work there when it went under new ownership and stayed until it closed. In 1984 Art graduated from Burlington High School, then went to South Community College and obtained an associate’s degree in welding. He then went to work for Standard of Beaverdale, then the Hawkeye where he did welding fabrication, and later Shearers, where he worked as a mechanic.
In his own words, he had a master's in everything, just because he watched a video once meant he knew everything there was to know, ya know? Art could fix and build absolutely anything, be it machinery, cars, or buildings, except the downstairs toilet and hallway floor, oh and the upstairs bathroom light, cause what’s wrong with taking a shower in the dark?
Art was more than a handyman though. He also loved pranking his wife and daughter. Usually with rubber spiders falling out of the car visor onto his wife’s lap, or a burst of fire outside while his daughter did her homework, and we never did manage to find the stash of firecrackers he insisted on letting off outside the living room window!
He was a man of skill, deep love, and laughter. He is survived by his wife Valarie Buckner; Daughter Alexandria; Best son-in-law ever Scott (seriously no givebacks); Foster children Oscar, Maggie, and December Bugg; Sisters: Lori (Joel) Johnson and Kathy (Brian) Jensen; His brother from another mother Pat McCoy; Live in nephews Mason Gall and Anthony Morris; Favorite sister-in-law Cindy Timmerman; The sister-in-law that tried his patience, Tracy Hobby; and his hoard of nieces and nephews who he always tried to teach his passions and ethics; and all of his cats and his dog.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and two dogs; Roxie and Zeus.
Per his wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel.
The visitation for friends to talk with the family, will be held at Lunning Chapel, Friday April 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., with a memorial being held at 3 p.m., with Pastor Nathaniel Bridges officiating. The family asks that everyone, in true Arthur fashion, wear either a flannel or a t-shirt with a pocket.
A memorial has been established in his memory.