MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called John W. Buckner, most beloved citizen and friend of his community, to his everlasting reward on September 16, 2015; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of Mr. Buckner's transition by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward and Chairman of Committee on the Budget and Government Operations; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 7, 1955, John was a fraternal twin and the seventh of eight children born into the union of the Elijah L. and Essie Mae Buckner. He was proceeded in death by his siblings, Elijah Buckner, Joann Buckner-Jiles, and Clarence Buckner; and
WHEREAS, After attending Simeon and Parker High School, John served our country by enlisting in the US Navy. Following his military service, John pursued his interest in renovation and design and attended trade school, mastering the craft of painting, dry walling and plastering. His skills and entrepreneurial spirit allowed John to co-found an interior decorating service, cleverly named "Buck & The Deacon"; and
WHEREAS, John met his future wife Louise while playing the piano at Southern Missionary Baptist Church and the two would affirm their love by marrying in Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church on March 14, 1981. John and Louise were blessed with two children, LaKeshia "Keshia" and Darnell "D," and five grandchildren Jalen, Jamil, Elijah, Chloe and Camron; and
WHEREAS, Always interested in his community and the political landscape, John spent many hours volunteering with the 21st Ward Alderman's office, promoting voter registration. In May 1990, John joined the Chicago Police Department as a Civilian Employee, holding various positions of increasing responsibility most recently as Supervisor at the Equipment and Supply Department; and
WHEREAS, As a true student of life, John had a wide array of interests that included cooking, gardening and, most especially, music. John was always on a mission to improve and share his skills, recently serving as a mentor to youth teaching them how to play the lead guitar; and
WHEREAS, John and Louise were faithful members of the Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church where they jointly served in the twelve tribe's ministry. John was a devoted member of the congregation and music ministry until his death; and
WHEREAS, John leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Louise, daughter LaKeshia Buckner-Smith (Dennis), son Darnell Buckner (Thaneshia), brothers Robert (Shirley), Raymond (Yvonne) and Charles, sister Beverly Smith, his dear friend and music brother, Charles Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and colleagues who will continue to honor and cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, John touched the lives of all who knew him through his kindness, his generosity, his heart and his spirit. He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 14th day of October, 2015, A.D., do hereby express our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of John W. Buckner and extend to his family and friends our deepest sympathy; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of John W. Buckner as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.
