Larry Buker, 78, of Ashland, IL, passed away, Thursday, August 15, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones at home.

He was born January 16, 1946, in Springfield, IL, the son of Carroll Victor and Elsie Mae (Rigney) Buker.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rita (Correll) Buker; two sons, Bradley (Lisa) Buker and Adam Buker, both of Ashland; one daughter, Kelly (Tonya) Buker of Ashland; ten grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister, Janet (Buker) Hergenrother of Pleasant Plains, IL; and his little fur baby Tucker (Tubby).

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Danny Buker; sister, Barbara (Buker) Kozma; and his grandson, Keilan Wayne Buker.

Larry was a 1964 Graduate of Ashland High School, and after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While as a Marine, he served in Vietnam.

Larry was a one of kind person, who never knew a stranger. He would talk to anyone he would see. He was always trying to feed anyone that would come to visit him. He was a race fan for many years and a die-hard Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan. He loved taking his kids and grandkids to the Indy 500 Time Trials every year, but you had to be five or older to go with him because it was so loud. He was also a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and was so happy that he was finally able to see them win the World Series in his lifetime. He loved his cars! They had to be fast, black, and Chevy, of course. He was an all-around great man, always taking care of everybody and everything. He loved taking us places and making us happy. Dad put everyone first every time. His favorite holiday was Christmas and being able to enjoy mom, us kids, and our kids opening our gifts. To say his presence in our lives will be missed is an understatement.

The family will meet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 21, also at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, followed by a burial at Ashland City Cemetery. A meal will be served after the burial at St. Augustine Fellowship Hall in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.