Obituary of Roland Buck

Roland Franklin Buck, "Rolly," as he was known was born into an old German farming family in Westphalia, Indiana, on June 23, 1919. He was the youngest of four siblings. He met his death in an untimely manner on November 16, 2008 in Tulsa. He was 89 years old. Rolly's mother died when he was only 3. He and his next older brother, Loren were raised by their grandparents Enmeier. Their grandparents simplicity, self-reliance, industry, and frugality were passed onto Rolly. They were the values by which he lived the rest of his life. During the depression, Rolly and Loren hitchhiked to Tulsa from Indiana where their uncles, Dr. Norman and Mr. Bill Enmeier sponsored their admission to the University of Tulsa. Rolly graduated from T.U. with academic honors and a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1940. Throughout World War II, Rolly worked for Ashland Oil in its aviation fuel refinery operations. Ashland Oil was Rolly's last full time employment with a major corporation. Although he worked as a consulting engineer from time to time in later years, his most satisfying experiences came from his unique entrepreneurial enterprises. He built houses during the post war boom, installed swimming pools, and developed rental properties. As usual with Rolly, he did most of the electrical, painting, plumbing, etc. himself. He met and married the love of his life, Charlene Sturtevant. She was the only person who was ever able to really manage Rolly. She was the one who taught Rolly to love and enjoy life. Together, they traveled the world and throughout the U.S.A. They joined square-dancing clubs, and frequented many ski slopes. These were the best years of Rolly's life. Charlene died of cancer in 1990. These were the hardest times for Rolly. In his later years, he kept the wide circle of friends that he and Charlene had developed. He continued to travel the U.S.A. and was even planning to drive to San Francisco to visit Charlene's sister, Francis, at the time of his death. Rolly is survived by his eldest brother, James of Seattle and by many nephews and nieces in California, Texas and Washington. He is also fondly remembered and missed by his loving sister-in-law, Francis Sturtevant and his nephews, Loren and David and their families. A service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 28, 2008 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel.