Thomas Jay Buckingham was born to Lyle and Arminta (Van) Buckingham on November 2, 1925. He was called from this life on Friday, October 15, 2010. He attained the age of 84 years, 11 months and 13 days. He spent his youth in Rochester, Minnesota. Some of his boyhood hobbies were raising and racing homing pigeons. He also caddied at the local country club and fished trout at Whitewater River (which is now White Water State Park). In December of 1943, Tom enlisted in the Army. He spent 31 months overseas on the island of New Caledonia. Tom was a teletype operator and sent messages for the troops. He was discharged from the Army on April 18, 1946. In September of 1946, Tom began college at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion on the GI Bill. This is where he would meet his future wife Linda. Tom graduated from the University with a teaching degree. Tom was united in marriage to Linda Elaine Cusick in July of 1951 in Vermillion. Together they raised four children: Linda Glee, Gwen, Greg, and Chris. Tom taught school in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and spent 25 years teaching in Benson. He taught American Government, Social Studies, and Psychology. His classroom was famous for his quotes of the day, and Bertha & Bart, his classroom mascot boa constrictors. Among the things he enjoyed were golfing, fishing, bow hunting, and reading. In his retirement in 1985, Tom and Linda spent three winters in Arizona and were able to spend 10 wonderful winters living in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. Tom loved to collect iron wood each year while in Mexico. Tom is survived by his wife, Linda of Benson; four children: Linda Glee Anderson of Anchorage, AK, Gwen (Steve Howlett) Buckingham of Shell Knob, MO, Greg (Carol) Buckingham of Plymouth, and Chris (Diane) Buckingham of Glenwood; five grandchildren: Kerry (Ben) Niles, Carly & Alexa Buckingham, Dylan & Brett Buckingham; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother Bob, and a sister, Mary.
