Charles "Chuck" Raymond Buck, passed away on July 15, 2026, at his home in Knob Noster, Missouri. He was 78 years old. Chuck was a man whose life touched countless others through his warmth, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to the people and passions he loved.

Born on November 13, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late C. Raymond Buck and Catherine Louise (Berrey) Buck, Chuck grew up as a missionary kid. His early experiences in Africa, France, and elsewhere instilled in him a spirit of adventure and a deep curiosity about the world. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Wichita State University with a major in theater and a minor in psychology, a combination that spoke perfectly to his love of performance and his genuine interest in understanding people. He proudly served his country for 33 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot, flying the C-130 then transitioning to the A-10 in the 442nd Fighter Wing for the majority of his career. His military service taught him a sense of duty and bravery that would define so much of who he became. He retired in 2005 with the rank of Lt. Colonel, having turned down a promotion in order to stay close to his children.

On New Year's Eve, 1993, Chuck married the love of his life, Alice Marie Buck. Together they built a home filled with laughter, music, and love. Alice was his partner in everything, and their bond was one that inspired those around them.

Chuck was a man of extraordinary character. He lived with integrity, showed compassion to everyone he met, and possessed a tenacity that carried him through life's challenges with grace. He was both supportive and inspiring, the kind of person who could lift you up with a word or a steady hand on your shoulder. His bravery extended far beyond his military service; it was woven into the fabric of his everyday life.

His passions were many and varied. Chuck was an avid motorcyclist and a dedicated member of Freedom of the Road Riders, the Sedalia Motorcycle Association, and the Harley Owners Group. He loved the open road and the community that came with it. He was also a skilled trap shooter and a proud member of the Sedalia Rod & Gun Club. Music ran through his veins; he played guitar and harmonica and loved to sing. His love of theater carried from the classroom to the community stage, where he participated in local productions. He was a classic car enthusiast, and loved figuring out how things worked. He also loved teaching others, as a flight instructor and later as a motorcycle instructor with the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program.

Chuck is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Marie Buck; his daughters, Staci Dawn (Buck) Nash and Jennifer Nicole Elliott; his sons, Michael David Elliott, Christopher Robert Buck, and Kyle Raymond Buck; as well as ten grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Bryan Charles Buck, whose loss he carried with quiet strength.

Chuck's faith was evident in the way he lived his life. His family takes comfort in knowing that he has been called home and rests now in the arms of his Savior, reunited with those who went before him.

Visitation will be held on July 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Peculiar Cemetery.

Chuck Buck lived a full, rich, and generous life. He made the world louder with his music, warmer with his compassion, and better with his presence. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of the following organizations: The Carnation Foundation, where donations help provide financial support and resources to hospice patients and their families. Or Baptist Mid-Missions Donations to support missionaries' work through ministry projects ( https://www.bmm.org/projects/5-memorial-fund) or a check may be sent to Baptist Mid-Missions, PO Box 308011, Cleveland OH 44130-8011. Please make sure that any check sent states "in Memory of Charles Buck".