Dr. Robert "Bob" Lawson Buckles, a beloved husband, father, "Papa," and dedicated oral and maxillofacial surgeon, passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 84.
Born on January 16, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Cleao and Vivian (Lafferty) Buckles, Bob’s family moved to California before his first birthday.
A lifelong passion for learning led him to UCLA for his undergraduate studies. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving for three years as a surgical medic at the NATO headquarters during the Vietnam conflict, followed by three years in the reserves. Following his service, his commitment to education led him to a master’s in biology at Fresno State and later a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) at Washington University in St. Louis, where he was named valedictorian of his class.
A dedicated oral surgeon, Dr. Buckles found deep purpose in his career. For years, he served as the sole facial trauma surgeon in North Texas (from the I-635 loop to the Red River), caring for countless patients with skill and compassion. His commitment to medicine was matched only by his love for his family. On July 24, 1971, Bob married the love of his life, Diana, in Yosemite, California. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure while building a family.
He is survived by his daughter Pamela Creel and husband, Jason of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Michaela Cree1 of Boston, Massachusetts; grandson, Lawson Creel of Dallas, Texas; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Diana Buckles; parents, Cleao and Vivian Buckles, and brother, Ray Buckles.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, 2025, at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano Texas 75023. Visitation will take place at the Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Everyone for Veterans in Bob’s name.