Leland Buckler

Leland C. Buckler passed away on January 23, 2026 at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, MO. Leland was born May 17, 1937 to Jodie C. Buckler and Willie Mary (Stidham) Buckler. He was born on the family farm near Harrisburg, MO. He lived there until he was married and moved to Columbia. He graduated from Sturgeon High School and received a B.S. degree from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture in 1959. He married Mary Lou Clawson in 1957 and they shared 68 years of marriage. They were parents of two sons, Michael and Scott. After graduating from college, he managed several elevators and fertilizer facilities in mid-Missouri. He moved his family to Higginsville in 1971 where he worked and managed Higginsville Fertilizer until his retirement. He spent a few years after retiring as a part-time driver at John Knox Village East in Higginsville. Leland and Mary Lou were very active with the community over the years; they built a new home in Higginsville and lived there until they moved to John Knox Village East where they enjoyed meeting new friends and all the activities during their final years. Leland was a member of Central Christian Church and served as an Elder, Board Chairman, and Treasurer. He was a member of the local Rotary Club with a perfect attendance for over 30 years. He was a member of the High School Booster Club and the local Chamber of Commerce. Leland and Mary Lou followed the local sports teams as well as the University of Central MO. They enjoyed spending their winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama for about 10 years. Leland enjoyed life and his presence will be missed, leaving a void in his loved one's hearts. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Buckler of the home; two sons, Michael and wife, Mary, of St. Joseph, MO, Scott and wife, Lisa, of Odessa, MO; three grandsons, five great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; and one sister-in-law as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Granville and Wendall Buckler; two sisters, Edith Sims and Louise Murray. A service and celebration of Leland's life will be held at Central Christian Church in Higginsville on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm. He will be buried in the Higginsville City Cemetery after the service, but because of the weather, the family will stay back at the church to greet guests as the funeral home lays him to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Central Christian Church.

Leland Buckler

May 17, 1937 - January 23, 2026