Thomas Riley Buckner

Thomas Riley Buckner, 78, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, died December 13, 2019. He came from humble beginnings in Shamrock, Texas. At age 38, he earned his under- graduate and Masters in Finance at West Texas State University. He was a banker, a bank examiner, an artist, and a loving husband and father. Tom also was a lifelong Democrat and devoted his life to civil service. Tom wanted his efforts to count. In “retirement,” Tom campaigned tirelessly to elect local, state, federal Democrats. Tom was appointed to the New Mexico Electoral College to be one of five members to vote for Barack Obama in 2008. He loved politicking. Tom delighted in painting, with 380 oil paintings in his catalog. He often gifted his works to his friends, a few of which hang in offices in Santa Fe. Tom lived his life with honesty, integrity, generosity, a fervor for education and exploration. He touched the lives of people around the world. In the face of adversity, whether it was car trouble or political strife, Tom would utter the old adage: “Don’t curse the darkness—light a candle.” He is survived by Marlyn Sue Addington Buckner, his wife of 50 years; his daughters, Susan Elise Boeckman, Erin Buckner Rosica, Whitney Anne Jayne Buckner; his sister Lillie Rozelle Taylor, grandchildren Evelyn Anne Boeckman, Kathrine Riley Boeckman, Nicolas Patrick Rosica, Emilia Louise Rosica, and many extended family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 21. Visitation begins at 9:00 AM. Tom will be laid to rest at Dozier Cemetery in Collinsworth County, Texas on Monday, December 23. A reception will be at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Shamrock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Opportunity Plan, Inc., PO Box 1035, Canyon, TX, 79015.