Howard E. "Bud" Buker

Howard E. "Bud" Buker, retired longtime Hoover Company executive and community leader, left this world April 29 in the same manner in which he lived -- with strength, dignity and courage, following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Bud was born Sept. 24, 1928, in Canton , the son of the late Herbert and Louella Buker. He was a graduate of Lehman High School and Miami University , where he was president of the Class of 1950 and president of his Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Bud was employed by The Hoover Company for 37 years, holding numerous management positions, most notably director of public relations and communications. In 1986, following Chicago Pacific Corporation's acquisition of Hoover, he was elected vice president of public affairs for Chicago Pacific, relocating to Chicago, where he lived for the next five years. He returned to Hoover in 1990 as vice president of governmental affairs, a position from which he retired. He subsequently served as director of personnel at Walsh University . Bud was deeply involved in the North Canton and Canton communities in numerous volunteer capacities, including 15 years as chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee. He was a member and former chairman of the Stark County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD), his compassion for the less fortunate leading to his institution of "Hoover Fun Day," an annual, day-long outing at Hoover Park for adult clients of MRDD. During his career, Bud was a trustee of the former Stark County Bluecoats Association and a board member of: United Way of Stark County, Better Business Bureau of Stark County, Stark County Growth Association, North Canton YMCA, Canton Players Guild, Canton Ex-Newsboys, Canton Regional and North Canton chambers of commerce. In 1986, he was awarded the latter organization's prestigious Wayne Carpenter Award for his efforts on behalf of the North Canton community. He was also past president of the Retired Executives Club. In Chicago , he was a member of the Chicago Athletic Club and Chicago Public Relations Club. He is survived by his life partner and best friend, Pat Coleridge; his four children: David (Barbara J.) Buker of Poland, Ohio; Patty (Chuck) Clapper of Canton; Betsy (Dave) Dehnke of Boliver and Lori Coleridge of North Canton; grandsons David and Jared Buker, both of Poland, Ohio; sister Ann Baughman of Warren, and many wonderful and caring friends. Bud's zest for life is reflected in the many good times he enjoyed with his friends. He loved to laugh, and everyone knew when he was at the party! He was an avid Ohio State Football fan, often traveling to both home and away games. In his later years, he enjoyed meeting his buddies at the mall and spending winters with Pat in Siesta Key, Fla. Calling hours will take place Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Reed Funeral Home North Canton Chapel, 801 Pittsburg Ave. N.W. and on Tuesday from 10 -11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bud's memory be made to the Stark County Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association. GO BUCKS!! Those wishing to send their condolences or share a fond memory may do so by signing in the Reed on-line guestbook at our website at www.reedfuneralhome.com .