Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Buskirk
Ronald E. Buskirk passed away on October 18, 2012.
Ron was born on August 9, 1925, in Hastings, Nebraska to Mary Ruth and Edgar Arnold Buskirk. He grew up in Juniata, Nebraska, and graduated from Juniata High School in 1942. He attended the University of Nebraska for one year prior to enlisting in the United States Army Air Force in September of 1943. He served as a navigator on a B-24 Liberator for two years prior to being honorably discharged in November of 1945. Ron enrolled in Hastings College in January of 1946, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. While at Hastings College, Ron met Jeanne Ruth Bancroft during the first fall mixer of her freshman year. They were married on August 16, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska. Ron and Jeanne moved to Chicago where he received his Masters of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary and Jeanne completed her degree in Education at Roosevelt University.
Ron began a career of service in the ministry for the Presbyterian Church USA spanning sixty years. During those years he served five churches full time and, for thirteen years, was the Executive Presbyter of Southern Kansas Presbytery. He also received his Doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Seminary on June 11, 1985. He retired in 1989, but continued to serve as an interim pastor in churches as well as an interim Executive Presbyter.
Ron is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Lawrence), and their three children, Linda Sue Niles and her husband Stephen (South Sioux City, Nebraska), Steven John Buskirk and his wife Debbie, (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida), and Paul Raymond Buskirk and wife Lauren (Lawrence). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Professionally, Ron will be remembered and respected for his ability to encourage and unite pastors and lay leaders in service to the church. He was a caring, supportive and loving husband and a kind and generous father. His love and dedication to his family and his steadfast faith in God were the hallmarks of his life.
Friend and family are invited to a celebration of his life on Monday, October 22, 1012, at 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Visiting Nurses, or Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Department, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thinking of you all and know you have special memories of dad/grandpa that you will never forget. God bless you in this difficult time.
Bill and Mary Maples
October 21, 2012
We didn't have him long enough, but when we did have him, we had him 110% ! He was a thoughtful, caring man, a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, and a role model for all of us who are trying to get the Christian life right. He will be missed. Love to all the family and prayers for comfort. Mary and Tom (cousins)
October 21, 2012
Our friendship with Ron goes back to the time when we lived in Larned, and he was the Executive Presbyter for Southern Kansas. We worked with him on several Presbytery Committees and on some special assignments when he called on us. He has led an exemplary life -- was always fair and kind with his decisions. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of Ron's family.
With special caring, Glee and Jerry Smith
Glee and Jerry Smith
October 21, 2012
Melanie Bois
October 20, 2012
Melanie Bois
October 20, 2012
Melanie Bois
October 20, 2012
What an honorable, kind, and humble man my grandfather was. He dedicated his life to his passions: God, his wife, and his family. Your presence and love lit up our world, Grandpa. We will always carry you with us in our hearts.
Until we meet again, Melanie
Melanie Bois
October 20, 2012
Our Thoughts and prayers are with all of Ron's family.
Bill and Eva White
October 20, 2012
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