Albert Franklin Buckmaster

Albert Franklin Buckmaster, 94 years old, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 25, 2024. He was born in Keefton, Oklahoma, on February 10, 1930, to Roy and Lydia Buckmaster as the oldest of seven children. He grew up on a farm in the Victor community just outside of Checotah, Oklahoma. He made his profession of faith in his Lord Jesus at the age of 16 during a revival meeting and attended Elm Grove Baptist Church near Council Hill. That is where he met the love of his life, Wanda Swadley, and married her there on November 23, 1951. They enjoyed 61 years together before her passing in 2013. He began life on the farm, where they reared four children: Phil, Jan, Jeanne, and Joanie. He raised cotton and maize and always had a large garden, especially corn, potatoes, tomatoes, okra, green beans, and squash.

Albert was an extremely hard worker. He gave his all to whatever project he was working on. In addition to farming, Albert worked for several years doing carpentry. After that, he worked at Fansteel Metallurgical Corporation on the evening shift while farming during the daytime. In 1977, Albert and Wanda moved to Muskogee. He was active in the church as a deacon and took vacations from work to go on several volunteer mission trips for building projects. Albert said that this was the most satisfying and fulfilling time of his life.

His favorite pastime was fishing. He could catch fish in spots where no one else could. He always said he couldn't decide what he liked better: catching them or eating them!

In November of 2008, Albert and Wanda moved to Yukon, Oklahoma. Wanda had Alzheimer's, and they moved to Yukon so their kids could help him take care of her. It was a hard time, but Albert was so resourceful and did a fantastic job of caring for his beloved Wanda.

Albert was a people person. He was loved by many, and he will be greatly missed.

Albert is survived by two of his daughters: Jan and her husband Jack Stewart of Yukon, and Jeanne and her husband Mike Caldwell of Shawnee; daughter-in-law Jerri (Phil) Buckmaster of Ardmore; grandchildren Kara Caldwell, Lisa (Adam) Myers, Amber (Dustin) Parnell, Kami (Michael) Jones, Dina Stewart, Kristi (Eric) Martinson, Megan (Nathan) Kacirek, Maryann Stewart, and Preston Buckmaster; great-grandchildren Rebecca, Zachery, Abigail, Ashton, Kylee, Ellie, Landon, Penelope, Claire, Savannah, Jett, and Abel; and a great-great-grandchild, Denver. He is also survived by two brothers, Don Buckmaster of Sapulpa, OK, and Dan (Judy) Buckmaster of Checotah, OK; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wanda; his son Phil Buckmaster; a daughter, Joanie Mowery; a grandson, Scott Michael Caldwell; a granddaughter, Kristen Leigh Wallace; two sisters, Zella Mitchell and Vella Phillips Neumeyer; and two brothers, Delbert Buckmaster and Roy Delmas Buckmaster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yukon Church. Special thanks go to the Spanish Cove long-term care nursing home staff and the personnel of Frontier Hospice.

Viewing will be from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 31, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 1, at Yukon Bible Church, 11715 NW 10th St., Yukon, OK, with graveside services following at 3:00 PM at the Council Hill Cemetery in Council Hill, Oklahoma.