Leland John Buckmaster, 76, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at 2:25 a.m. Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Indiana.

He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson, Kentucky, and the VFW Post No. 1114 in Evansville Indiana.  Leland was also an Eagle Scout.  He was a veteran with 28+ years of service between December 1968 - June 2009.  It began with enlistment in the US Army where he put in 2.5 years of fulltime service.  Leland then took the time securing a degree from UK before reenlisting in the Kentucky National Guard.  He officially retired as part of 613 Engineering Facilities Detachment.  His positions and experience ranged from helicopter supply, tank commander, and engineering, and his deployments included Vietnam, Germany, and Iraq.

As a civilian, he, alongside his service in the Guard, worked for the Cabinet of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, retiring in 2001.  Not quite ready to stop moving and wanting to find a way to give back, he became a substitute teacher for the Henderson County Schools System and enjoyed being a trusted face in the produce department at Walmart.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara Buckmaster, who died in October 1992; his father, Dr. George Allen Buckmaster, who died in February 1983; and his mother, Grace A. Buckmaster, who died October 2006.

Survivors include his former spouse of 49 years, Ronda R. Buckmaster; two children, son, Jonathan M. Buckmaster of Henderson, Kentucky, and daughter, Laura J. Whitehead of Henderson, Kentucky; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy and Dr. Samuel Chewning of Cornelius, North Carolina, Karen and C.B. Oliver of Munfordville, Kentucky, and Jean and George Waits of Titus, Alabama; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Allen and Pam Buckmaster of Atlanta, Georgia, William Robert and Ivene Buckmaster of Manchaca, Texas, Dr. James and Marcia Buckmaster of Henderson, Kentucky, and Dr. Charles and Delores Buckmaster of Gulf Shores, Alabama; five grandsons, Jaidon M. McLean, Seyler M. Buckmaster, Zarek L. J. Davis, Charles T. Lawless II, and Landon Buckmaster; one granddaughter, Davanee H.G. McLean; 31 nieces and nephews; and 32 great-nieces and great-nephews.

A funeral mass will be at noon Monday, May 4, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Richard Meredith will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery with full military rites performed by the American Legion Worsham Post No. 40.

Friends may call and pay their respects from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.