Roger W. Bucknell

Roger W. Bucknell , born February 24, 1930, in East St. Louis, IL; died November 2, 2008, at St. Paul's Home in Belleville, IL after a brief illness.

In the 1950's he worked at American Zinc Company and served in the United States Army. Roger began a 35-year career at the Monsanto Company in 1955, working primarily in the research and development departments. He retired in 1990 as Director of Engineering Research and New Facilities Projects.

He was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville. He was awarded Presbyterian Man of the Year in 2001 and chosen, along with his wife, as First United's representative to the Presbytery's Celebration of Aging. He sang in the Church choir, was a member of Session, was a member of the Board of Tustees, was active in Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy as past Moderator and several Presbytery commissions.

He was active in St. Clair County West Rotary Club where he served as the club secretary for many years. He was chosen as Rotarian of the year in 2001, and is a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Roger sang with the SIU-E Chorale from 1974 to 1980 and with the Masterworks Chorale in Belleville from 1980 through 1998.

With his wife, he travelled extensively to all fifty States, all seven continents and all but two provinces of Canada, and often presented travel programs to community groups and schools.

He is preceded in death by:

  • Father: Roger W. Bucknell, Sr.
  • Mother: Irma nee Bosworth Bucknell
  • Father and Mother-in-law: Irvin G. and Helen nee Kuhn Krummrich
He is survived by:
  • Wife of 57 years: Betty nee Krummrich Bucknell
  • Sons
    • Allen (Jeanne-Marie Condo) Bucknell of Phoenix, AZ
    • Douglas (Jennifer) Bucknell of Atlanta, GA
  • Daughters
    • Sarah (James) Ryan of Marissa, IL
    • Mary (Gary Kakazu) of Madison, WI
    • Nancy (Michael) Joiner of Omaha, NE
  • Grandchildren
    • Megan Condo
    • Ashley Condo
    • Sophia Bucknell
    • Daisy Bucknell
    • Christine Ryan
    • Emily Ryan
    • James Ryan
    • Nathan Kakazu
    • Patricia Joiner
    • Steven Joiner
  • Sister: Nancy (Gene) Kuehn of Mason City, IA
  • Nephew: Michael Kuehn
  • Nephew: David Kuehn
  • Niece: Beth Ehlers
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church or the Paul Harris Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Visitation: Friends may call Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 4-8pm at Kurrus Funeral Home and Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 9:30-10:30am at First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights Rd., Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 11:00am at First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL with the Rev. Dr. Greg Stovell officiating. Private family internment will follow.