William Alfred Buckley

William "Bill" Alfred Buckley passed away peacefully at his home on June 15, 2026.

Bill was born on June 8, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa. On June 15, 1972, he married Carol Buckley, his devoted wife and partner in life. In a touching coincidence, Bill passed away on what would have been their 54th wedding anniversary.

Together, Bill and Carol built a life centered on family, first in Council Bluffs, Iowa, San Antonio, Texas, and later in Des Moines, where they raised their four children.

Bill proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969. After his military service, he continued serving fellow veterans through his work at the VA Hospital, where he dedicated many years before retiring in 2009.

Bill loved a good mystery novel, a compelling war documentary, and an evening spent watching television. He had a lifelong fascination with history and airplanes and enjoyed learning about the people and events of the past. Friends and family will remember his intelligence, his easy humor, and the jokes he was always ready to share.

Bill also had a special affection for his beloved cats, Purr-O and Captain, whose companionship brought him great comfort and joy.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Buckley.

Bill is survived by his children, Michael (Katie) Buckley, Jennifer (Chris) Bolter, Mandy Teppert, and Matthew (Ashelli) Buckley; his sister, Harriet Buckley; his grandchildren, Jacqueline Bolter, Logan Buckley, Jacob Bolter, Payton Reed, Nathan Buckley, Christopher Head, Paige Head, and Dutch Buckley; and his bonus grandchildren, Maguel Polson, Alexis Polson, Jasmine Polson, and Zachary McCleary.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa, on July 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a gathering at The American Legion Hall in Van Meter immediately following the service. Bill and Carol will be laid to rest together, honoring a marriage and partnership that spanned more than five decades.Bill will be remembered for his knowledge of history, his answers to Jeopardy, his humor, and his devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.