John James “Buck” Waldrop, age 96, passed away April 21, 2014 in Bellingham, Washington.
Buck was born January 11, 1918, to Nimrod and Emmie (Dale) Waldrop, in Littlerock, Arkansas, where he worked on his parents’ farm until he was 17. He moved to Idaho where he worked on a horse ranch. Other jobs included working in the woods logging, and working on the railroad as a conductor and a brakeman. He also was a police officer in Toppenish, WA and Reno, Nevada, as well as a bartender in Reno.
He served in the 242nd Infantry Regiment in World War II, where he had been a prisoner of war from the Battle of the Bulge until they were rescued by General Patton. He had earned several medals and was awarded the Purple Heart. Buck was a member of the George Baldridge Post # 43 American Legion in Sedro-Woolley.
Buck is survived by his sons, Buddie and his wife, Connie Waldrop, of Vista, CA, and Ronald and his wife, Dottie Waldrop, of Taft, CA; daughters, Vicki and her husband, Chuck Plummer, of Prineville, OR, and Gail Adkerson, of Sedro-Woolley, WA; stepchildren, Connie Anglen, Lonny Johnson, Rickie Johnson and Kitty Roberts; brother, VonRay and his wife, Audrey Waldrop, of Big Lake, WA; sisters, Eurshal Booth, of Mountain Home, AR, and Jackie Chisum, of Yuma, AZ; 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nimrod and his wife, Lula Waldrop; mother, Emmie Waldrop; wives, Doris, Leona and Lorene; son, John Waldrop, Jr.; stepson, Johnny Johnson; stepdaughter, Rita Lewis; grandson, John N. Waldrop; sisters, Emma Simmons, Arettia Taber and Vespie “Irene” Cloquet; brother, Arnold Waldrop and nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00, Monday, April 28, 2014, at Lemley Chapel, with Chaplain Buck Fowler presiding. A Graveside Committal Service will follow at Union Cemetery with Military Honors, followed by a potluck reception at the American Legion Hall. A time of visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel on Fri. 9 to 5, Sat. 9 to noon and on Monday morning beginning at 9. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Northwest.
Uncle Buck,
Ill never forget our good visits at grandpa Arnold and granny pete’s from me trying to climb up on your lap to rest my head on your big belly. I have a picture somewhere of us on easter like that. I thought about you frequently after granny and uncle steve passed but never did get a chance to stop by and see you. Wish I would have. I love you uncle Buck tell everyone up there in heaven we miss them and we miss you too
It was a privilege to share Buck’s journey. Rest in peace, friend. You will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Buck’s family. I know he will be greatly missed and always so dearly remembered. A long life he lived. Many lives he touched. I will remember Buck’s dry sense of humor and the way he told or shared a story. Helping to create a laugh on so many occasions. The things he loved about life and living were always close to his heart, and I’ll remember these things also. I was a “caregiver” to Buck for four years. It was good to know such a unique person. Having the opportunity to share in so many parts of his Senior years were special. In fond memory of you Buck. Rest in perfect peace. Jan Koch
Good-bye Buck. We had some good chuckles and you will be missed.
Uncle Buck,
REST IN PEACE!
Mark, Shannon, Allen, Carolanne
(Eurshel’s Grandchildren)
Uncle Buck,
We will miss you! I always remember how you always kept family treasures as keepsakes even the
“little things”. Hope this is a beautiful day for your transition! Godspeed! May the Lord bless and keep
you.
Love,
Betty & Al
( Arkansas neice & nephew)
Buck this is Eushel, your Arkansas sister. I will miss you and I’ll always remember the
last words you said to me, “I love you too, Kiddo! Rest in PEACE!