Jerry Dean Bucklew, 87, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Asher, OK on June 8, 1936 to Maude and Roscoe Bucklew, he was one of four children born to the couple.  After the death of his mother, Jerry was raised by his aunt and uncle, Cora and Bill Choate.  Another special person in his young life was Nellie Reid, his maternal grandmother.  He grew up in Crescent, OK where he was active in the Boy Scouts and exhibited his young entrepreneurial spirit by selling and delivering newspapers.  He later moved to Oklahoma City, OK where he graduated from John Marshall High School in 1954. 

In August of 1954 Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force and served at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA.  It was during his time in Warner Robins that he met his future wife, Mildred Worley.  They were married 66 years upon his death.

Upon marrying Mildred, they relocated to Midwest City, OK where Jerry obtained a degree in Accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma.  They then relocated to Lawton, OK in 1962 where Jerry pursued a career with the Internal Revenue Service and then later as Executive Vice President of American National Bank.  It was during this time that Jerry and Mildred were blessed with the births of two daughters, Jennifer and Julie.

Jerry and his family then moved back to Crescent, OK where he owned and operated Heritage Ford.  They then relocated to Edmond, OK where he was a successful real estate broker and homebuilder.  Jerry and Mildred then retired to Tyler, TX to be closer to family.  Jerry very much enjoyed being involved in his grandchildren’s activities.  Throughout their lives, Jerry and Mildred enjoyed travel and entertaining friends.

Jerry will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and his generosity to family and friends.  He is survived by his wife Mildred W. Bucklew of Tyler, TX, his two daughters Julie B. Lutz and Jennifer B. Schultz, son-in-law Douglas G. Schultz all of Tyler, TX, and grandchildren Dr. Katherine E. Lutz of McKinney, TX and Brock M. Lutz of Oklahoma City, OK.  He is preceded in death by his son-in-law Dr. Brock D. Lutz.

No service is scheduled at this time.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army of Tyler; P. O. Box 2050, Tyler, TX 75702.