Cyril "Cy" James Buckett

Cyril “Cy” James Buckett RACINE- Cyril “CyBuckett, 77, passed away at Spring Manor II in Racine. He was received into his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 16, 2012. Cy was born in Racine, on March 28, 1935 the son of the late Cyril and Claire (nee: Janek) Buckett. He attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Racine Lutheran High School “Class of 1953”. After trying out for the Chicago White Sox in 1954, Cy attended Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana from 1955-1956. It was there that he met Joanne Schmidt and they were married on July 6, 1957. Cy played in all major sports in high school and he played minor league baseball with the Racine Red Birds from 1956-1958. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves while in high school and later served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. He was stationed in Ft Hood, Texas and Glen-Hausen, Germany in the 3rd Armored Division. Cy was employed by Western Publishing from 1954 until 1978. Along with his wife Joanne, they owned and managed Wind & Fire Books and Gifts from 1979-1983. Cy finished his working life as a salesman for Bradford’s Piano Store; retiring in 2000. He volunteered at various nursing homes throughout Racine, playing his keyboard and entertaining residents and staff alike. For many years, Cy sang in the choir of Racine Assembly of God and also in the Racine Dairy Statesmen Barbershop chorus. He was involved in the drama department at Racine Assembly in both the Christmas and Easter Productions. Cy was an avid golfer at Johnson Park and Ives Grove golf courses. He had three Hole-in-Ones in his golfing career and won the 1990 Senior Masters Tournament. Cy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne, children; Thomas (Alison nee: Lueck) of Longmont, CO who was born in Frankfurt, Germany, Timothy (Kelly nee: Files) of Winterhaven, FL., Debra (Mical) Attoe, of Appleton, David (Terri nee: Eickhorst), and Tami (Dave) Robbins of Racine. Cy is further survived by 11 grandchildren; Tony (Annie) Farnsworth, Andrea Roberts, Kristin (Thomas) Sornson, Joshua Buckett, Amy Buckett, Kaci Buckett (fiancée Jeremy Roberts), Dianna Buckett (fiancée Matt Hergott), Zach Buckett, Ryan and Tyler Robbins, Carly Moya and four great grandsons; Evan, Wesley and Grant Roberts and Trent Buckett-Robles. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Cy was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Beverly Weber, June Kopecky and brother David Buckett, father-in-law and mother-in-law Bob and Mary Schmidt and brothers-in-law; George Kopecky, Richard Weber, nieces, Karen Chambers, Susan Boney and nephew John “Gus” Brannon. Funeral services will be held at Racine Assembly of God Church, 1325 Airline Road, on Thursday June 21, 2012 at 6 p.m. with Rev. Scott Brownel officiating. Visitation will be held at church on Thursday from 4 p.m. until service time at 6 p.m. Cy will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in a private ceremony with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Cy in a special way may direct memorials to the family for a trust to be established at a later date or to Racine Assembly of God Church. The Buckett family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to The Becker-Shoop Center, Spring Manor II, and Hospice Alliance for their gentle and compassionate care given to Cy during his illness.

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Cyril "Cy" James Buckett

March 28, 1935 - June 16, 2012