Clifford Thomas Buck who was most at home in the vast landscape of the outdoors, passed away on October 1, 2025 at his home in Piedmont, Kansas at the age of 76. He was born on January 10, 1949 in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Morris Walter and Esther Zella (Biddle) Buck.
Clifford was raised in Pittsburg, attending Holy Cross Lutheran Grade School and Adams Elementary. The family later moved to Wichita, Kansas where he attended East High School. From a young age, he had an intense interest in motors and cars, owning his first car before his teen years. His passion led him to spend time building cars and heavily engaging in drag racing. He later went to California to learn Motocross racing which he pursued for several years.
Upon returning to Wichita, he and his father founded Perimeter Fencing in Piedmont. They operated the business together for several years, securing contracts for various state and federal projects. Clifford was a true woodsman, dedicated to a lifelong love of the outdoors. He spent countless hours fishing and hunting, and his expertise led him to dedicated years raising and training coonhounds to run the trail. He also possessed a skillful hand, running a side business trapping and preparing pelts from muskrats and was equally adept at fine cabinet carpentry.
On June 6, 1981, Clifford was united in marriage to Linda Sue Keleher in Wichita, Kansas. They made their home in Piedmont, Kansas, and to this union, three children were born. Clifford later in life worked as a truck driver for Cornejo and Sons Construction, eventually retiring in the mid-2010s to spend more time on his quiet outdoor pursuits.
Clifford is survived by his children, Rachael Buck of Eureka, Kansas, Jesse Buck of Piedmont, Kansas, and Dillon Buck of Wichita, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Keegan Beach, Ken Comer, Channing Comer, Thaddeus Buck, Avalyn Buck, Cole Burtin, Bethany Buck, and Delilah Buck; one great-grandson, Heston Beach who is due to arrive soon; and two siblings, Sally Ann Wilson of Wichita, Kansas and Lawrence Paul Buck of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Morris Buck, leaving the woods quieter in his absence.
Funeral services were held on October 14, 2025 at Koup Family Funeral Home in Eureka, Kansas with Rev. Sue Ellen Wenthe of Christ Lutheran Church in Eureka officiating. Interment followed at Piedmont Cemetery where his body will be returned to the beloved earth he roamed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Kansas Wildlife Federation. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, Kansas 67045 which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.koupfunerals.com.
(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)