Louis E Buckingham, 73, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2022, at home in Antioch, CA.

My life…

Welcome family and friends! Take a short walk with me down memory lane, so I can share who I was during my lifetime. You may know by now for those who are reading my obituary that I am not here. My thoughts were, "Who can I designate to write my life story other than me?" Therefore, I decided to write it myself like my momma did before she went to heaven. As my family will attest, I would go on and on until someone says, "That's enough we get your point."

My life started sometime on September 2, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri. I was the third kid born to ZY Buckingham (in heaven) and Stella Marie Holder Buckingham (in heaven). I was named after my dad's brother, Uncle Louis Buckingham (in heaven). My mama gave me the nickname of Corky. For those who are present today, and know me by my nickname, we go way back. My dad was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and was raised in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. My mama was born in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised in Versailles, Missouri. My parents got married sometime in 1945. They lived in St Louis, MO. and Chicago, IL.

Sometime in 1953, my mama relocated to Oakland, California along with my siblings Allen, Brenda, and myself. I was raised in Oakland and attended all public schools, Prescott Elementary, Lowell Junior High, and McClymond's High School. My mama had two additional children, my sisters Andera Clayborn and Dwan Greer.

One Saturday afternoon in May 1967, I was driving my mama's car, coming from Brenda's house. I was in an accident that totaled out my mama's car. With no money or job, I went to the army recruiter the following Monday and joined the army. I reported for duty in June 1967. During the three years that I served, I experienced countless episodes of my life. In December 1967, the army tried to send me to Vietnam while my brother Allen was there. I eventually got reassigned to Germany in 1968. Too many incidents were occurring back in the states and in Germany, making 1968 the year I never forgot. Racism was so bad in Germany, I volunteered to go to Vietnam just to level the playing field. I arrived in Vietnam in March 1969, and was assigned to the 2 ^nd Field Forces, B Battery 6 ^th Battalion 15 ^th Artillery 105 Howitzer Unit. I thought to myself, "I have no knowledge or experience regarding artillery." Ultimately, I survived the horrors of war and the things we take for granted in this world.

Now getting to my life after the war. In March 1970, I married Venita Green from that union, my daughter Falicia Latrice Buckingham and Kubali Fanaka Buckingham were born. In 1971, I enrolled at Laney College in Oakland, CA eventually having enough credits to transfer to Cal State Hayward University in Hayward, CA, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 1977. In 1978, I accepted a clerk job at the United States Postal Service. I worked there for 30 years and retired as a manager in 2008. During my employment, I was an advocate for veterans, promoting a variety of veteran ceremonies and events.

In 1984, I married Ruby Lee Knuckles. From this union, Reuben Manu Buckingham Sr. and Kamilia Altoria Buckingham were born. Ruby and I were married for 38 years prior to me making my journey to heaven. Can I get an Amen from this body today? Not only did Ruby become my wife, she became my best friend. We experienced countless days of laughter and tears. We will miss each other. Ruby, stay strong and continue with your life.

During my retirement years, I spent a lot of time working with various organizations in my community for mental illness. I was a Commissioner for the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission from 2014 - 2016. I was a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for Contra Costa County. I was an active member of the Contra Costa County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, appointed by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors in February 2022 thru July 2022. I had memberships with the following Veterans organizations: Life member for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Oakland Chapter #7 and American Legion Post, Antioch, CA.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents, ZY and Stella Buckingham, son, Reuben Manu Buckingham and siblings; sister Brenda Marie Buckingham Cyrus (Husband, Erskine), Vallejo, CA, brothers Allen Wayne Buckingham Sr. (Wife, Alice), Richmond Heights, MO and Stephen Buckingham (Wife, Chaqwanna) Florissant, MO.

Louis leaves to cherish his memory; His loving wife Ruby (Knuckles) Buckingham, three children, Falicia Buckingham of Heath, TX, Kubali Buckingham (Wife, Darin) of Concord, CA and Kamilia Buckingham of Antioch, CA.  Six grandchildren, Kania Buckingham of Las Vegas, NV, Kazhmira Foster of Virginia Beach, VA, Rueben M. Buckingham Jr of Antioch, CA., Faith Buckingham of San Leandro, CA and Alaysha Buckingham of Sacramento, CA; and Storee Lute of Concord, CA.  He has two great-grandchildren, Aalani Donald of Virginia Beach, VA and Marcus Webster III of Las Vegas, NV. Siblings; one brother Elroy Buckingham Sr. (Wife Kimberly), Kennesaw, GA two sisters, Andrea Clayborn of Dixon, CA and Dwan Greer of Shreveport LA.  Love to all my, nephews, nieces, cousins; brother and sister in-laws and friends.  I love all you Guys!

With the above being said, enjoy the repast and come out and visit with me sometime, I'll always be at home.