Robert Henry Buskirk

Robert Henry Buskirk, 89 (almost 90), born on June 30, 1926, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away March 20, 2016. He resided in La Mirada, California at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, California. Service details found in another tab. Robert married Eva Mae Killingsworth of Long Beach, CA, on July 25, 1948 in Las Vegas, NV. They were married 39 years. Through the years he has been called Robert, Red, Bob, Bus, and Papa.

He is survived by his step-daughter Peggie Jean Zuber of Laguna Woods, CA, son-in-law William Stanley Zuber, granddaughter Jill Marie Zuber of Fargo, ND, grandson Glenn Michael Zuber of Washington, DC, great-grandson Eli Nathaniel Zuber, sister Carolyn Henriksen of Las Vegas, NV, and sister-in-law Evelyn Buskirk of Reedley, CA.

Robert, his father, and 4 of 7 siblings drove to California with all their belongings in 1942, the day before gas rationing started. His mother had died 4 years earlier. He served his country for 30 mo, as an Army PFC at the end of WWII in the 96th Division, Company K, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Squad securing the Island of Okinawa in the South Pacific. His division received a Presidential Citation at the end of the war. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Good Conduct Badge. The division was known as the Deadeyes and have kept in contact with annual reunions and a newsletter.

Upon returning from the service Robert married and joined his father's home landscape and sprinkler business for a few years, after which he was a plumber in construction and public works. From 1970-1990 he worked for the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, El Monte Service Section, Plumbing Dept. He also put in sewer and water lines for the Navajo and Hopi Reservations in Arizona. He was on the team of plumbers who refurbished the Queen Mary when it was set up in Long Beach.

Robert has been an active member and leader at North Long Beach Christian and Downey First Christian Churches. He is known as a good neighbor. Mr. Fix-it. Through the years he has enjoyed Bible study, square dancing, golf, and his vacation home near the Kern River for fishing and dune buggys. He was very proud of his family and his 1970 Chevy El Camino, which he finally sold in 2012.

Robert tells us that "we are a soul with a body, not a body with a soul". Robert's body has died, but his soul lives on. Instead of directed donations the family asks that the amount be put in your church's offering plate and a prayer of Thanksgiving be made for Robert's life and Christian witness.

Family: Father: Edward Harvey; Mother: Florence Eleanor
Siblings: Earl (Dena), Margaret (Gib), Mary (Everett), Jean (Ron), Bill (Evelyn [living]), "Robert (Eva)", Flo (Bill/Jim), Carolyn [living] (Ray), Nancy (Calvin/Bob).

Friends:
Jean Howland (worked with Eva), Peggy MacKendrick (NLB Christian Church),
Millie Csanyi, Jan Patino (caregivers and friends)
Bill (Thalia) Bonta - friends since 9th grade in IN. Lived with the family after they came to CA from 42-47. In the Army same time 44-46. Then Bill went back to IN. They continued in phone contact and a few visits.

Deceased Friends:
Tom Blair (worked with Robt), Red Cox, Virginia Ashcroft.