Steve Buckler — a small business owner and member of the Dearborn Board of Aldermen — died Tuesday at the age of 62 after a lengthy bout with health issues.
City officials learned of his death Tuesday morning.
A North Platte High School graduate, Buckler remained active in his community and won a two-year term as one of two Ward II aldermen during the April, 2014 election. Health issues limited his ability to participate in the monthly meetings, and he was again absent at last week’s session.
Buckler worked for years at DeBruce Ag in Dearborn and also ran a small shop in town.
“I know he was very active in the community and had his own little business,” Dearborn mayor Jamie Morey said. “Every business in town is important to the city, so he will be missed.”
Buckler graduated from North Platte in 1969 and went on to study at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo. He played for the Griffons’ football team as an offensive tackle for one season in 1970.
An avid supporter of youth sports, Buckler raised two children and had four grandchildren who called him ‘Poppie.’
Morey said Buckler’s spot on the board could remain open until the upcoming election. Two other spots for two-year terms will be contested on that ballot with the potential for a third one-year term for a person elected to take over Buckler’s duties.
“We have not discussed it yet. It’s still so soon,” Morey said by phone on Tuesday afternoon.