Gene "Buck" Buckingham, 78, of Washington, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Gene was born August 3, 1947 in Peoria to John E. and Virginia Dawson Buckingham. He married Dianne Kice on July 26, 1969 in Washington.

Surviving is his wife, Dianne; their daughter, Michelle (Billy) Wooters; grandson, Dalton Buckingham; his brother, William Buckingham; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Stacy Buck, and his brother Dale.

Gene graduated from Washington Community High School in 1965. He was drafted into the US Army in 1966, serving until 1968. He reenlisted in 1970 for 8 more years until his honorable discharge, after being stationed at Ft. Riley, KS, Ft. Campbell, KY, and Heidelberg, Germany. He went on to work for Keystone Steel and Wire as a heavy equipment mechanic, retiring in 2013. He was an avid T.P. & W. railroad fan and had a great T.P. & W. collection. If you knew Buck, you knew one of his passions was chasing hot air balloons; he loved ballooning. He was also the designated family photographer, snapping pictures at any and every event. He loved and was very proud of his family, supporting them in everything they did. Buck never knew a stranger; he will be remembered by his stories and his heart for people.

His family will receive friends from 5-7:00pm Friday, October 24, 2025 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Military honors will be rendered at 6:30pm on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TAPS or Washington Rescue Squad.