Helen & Wayne Buckallew

                                     Wayne Buckallew

                                 02-16-1925 – 04-15-2023

                                       Helen Buckallew  

                                 09-03-1925 – 04-21-2023

Wayne Buckallew, born on February 16, 1925, in Jasonville, Indiana, was the son of Otto Floyd Buckallew and Eva Annabelle Miller Buckallew. Wayne served in the United States Navy and was aboard the USS Nashville during World War II when the ship was kamikazed by a Japanese suicide plane. Multiple seamen were killed by the propelling shrapnel and many others wounded, including Wayne Buckallew, who received the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice while in the line of duty. Wayne also received several other medals for his military service.

Wayne Buckallew was an avid fisherman, hunter and enjoyed taking his family on vacations. Most recently Wayne and Helen moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida to live with their daughter and her husband. In his spare time, Wayne spent time in “Wayne’s World’ where he painted statues, plaques and several different wooden items. When he wasn’t painting, Wayne enjoyed fishing down on the dock.

Helen Ruth Wahl Buckallew, born on September 3, 1925, in Dale, Indiana, was the daughter of William J. Wahl and Eleanor Braunecker Wahl. Helen was born prematurely at home and only weighed 2 lbs. 6 oz.  Her mother placed her in a shoebox by the coal stove to keep her warm as she had no nails or hair; Helen was a survivor. Helen raised four children, she was a loyal mother, kept a beautiful home and she enjoyed her beautiful garden, Helen never met a stranger, she made friends wherever she went.

Wayne and Helen are preceded in death by their beloved sons David and Ronald Buckallew. They are survived by their son, Steven Buckallew, daughter, Pamela Sue Buckallew, (Robert Hurbert), grandchildren, Chandler Buckallew, Brandi Stevens (Chris Stevens), Megan Tompkins and David Mckiever. They are also survived by their great-grandchildren, Tyler, Josh, Abigail, Zach, Aaron, Zachary, Alexis, Arianna, Kaylee, Brysen, and Cody and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Wayne and Helen celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on July 5, 2022, and received their wings together April 2023.

A joint funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229, with entombment to follow in Washington Park East Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.