C. Roger Buckmaster's Obituary
C. Roger Buckmaster
Charles Roger Buckmaster passed away on February 25, 2026, leaving a legacy of steadfast devotion as a husband, father, and business leader. He was surrounded by his family and a great deal of love.
Born in Winthrop Iowa on May 27, 1931, Roger was the oldest child of Charles H. Buckmaster and Bernis O. Buckmaster. He was raised in the North Rosedale Park area of Detroit, Michigan and attended Redford High School and Iowa State University. At the freshman mixer in September 1948 he met Jill Hall, an event that changed and directed his life. They married while he was still in college and remained partners in life for 74 years.
Roger graduated with a BS in Engineering in 1952, and after a sales training program was assigned to the Cleveland, OH sales office of the American Blower Corporation. Roger worked for that company, through its name changes, for over 20 years. His career in the industrial and commercial ventilation, heating and air conditioning business included marketing product management, product development and sales management.
In 1973 Roger and Jill moved to Memphis, TN and helped form the D. M. Mills and Assoc. Inc. sales agency, which later became Mills, Wilson, George Inc. Roger retired as President in 1996. After retiring, he expanded his activities in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and was elected Director and Regional Chairman. He remained active in the Society’s community structure for many years, in jobs that required a great deal of travel throughout the US and Canada.
In 1998 Jill and Roger purchased their “cabin” on Greer’s Ferry Lake where the family gathered happily and often. They also traveled extensively, visiting many places on their bucket list. Many of these trips included cruises, one of Roger’s great pleasures, dating back to his time teaching sailing in his teens.
In 2005 they became the first residents at the newly built Village at Germantown, where he became the first Chair of the Resident’s Council, Chaired the committee that developed the Village at Germantown Foundation, and helped write the Constitution and Bylaws for the Foundation. Roger sang in the Village Choir even when his eyesight made it challenging.
Roger was a devoted husband and father and a stable and consistent presence in his family’s life. He modeled loyalty and care, as well as undemonstrative leadership. He wore his roles as father, business partner, and community benefactor with ease, always involved in community and church activities which he and Jill supported with prayers, presence, gifts, and service. Roger always strived to make a positive impact on his family and his community.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, son Steven, brother Alan and sister Nancy. He is survived by Jill, his wife of 74 years, his three children, Janna Bear (Eric), Ellen Buckmaster, Bob Buckmaster (Linda), and 5 grandchildren, Steven and Pema Bear, Rowan Youngs, Hannah Buckmaster Gully (Clay), and Allie Buckmaster.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you made memorial donations to the Village at Germantown Foundation, Church Health, or a nonprofit of your choice.
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