Dan Buckley

Dan Buckley, 69, of Jonesboro, Ark., and formerly of Lafayette, La., passed away July 12th from heart complications with his son and daughter by his side. Born on Aug. 10, 1947 in New Orleans, La., to Bob and Edna "B" Buckley, Dan grew up with his two sisters (Betty and Kathy), brother (Mickey), and three cousins (George, David, and Julie). Together, they created amazing childhood memories and terrorized the surrounding neighborhoods. Dan attended East Jefferson High School where he played on two district championship teams and was named All-District and honorable mention All-State. This caught the eye of Arkansas State Head Coach Bennie Ellender and Offensive Line Coach Bill "Bull" Davidson. Dan signed on to play for Arkansas State where he started at different positions for each of his four years. He played and lettered at defensive tackle in his first year. He also played offensive guard, but found his true calling when he was moved to center. It was at this position he would be named a two time All-Southland Conference first team member, Outstanding College Athlete in the New Orleans area, and most notability to the 1969 AP All-American team. It was at Arkansas State where he found his next family (Zolp, Hubba, Ron, and Clovis, just to name a few) and he met his future wife and mother of his kids, Kay Meade. During his stay at Arkansas State, Dan opened his first restaurant, The Purple Onion. After college he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit with a string of restaurants and bars. From Taco Hut and the Study Hall, to Shaky Jake's, Grant Street Dancehall, and Thib's. After Jonesboro he made Lafayette home for several years creating a wonderful group of family and friends (Charlie, Del, Camille, Mike, Serge, The Fantasy Football group, Curley, Mr. Milton, and countless others). Finally, Dan moved back to Jonesboro late in life to be closer to family. There he started working for Southern Management Company where he met his next family (Jackie, Jera, Fred, Christy, Beverly, Grayson, and the rest of the crew). It's here where Dan held his first desk job. It took a little transitioning for him, but he fell in love with his job and the people. Dan is survived by his daughter, Brooke, son and daughter-in-law, Brian & Renee, two granddaughters, Barrett & Campbell, two sisters, Betty and Kathy, former wife and husband-in-law, Kay & Bruce Williams, their son Matt, cousin/best friend and wife, George & Janie Krennerich, and five nieces and nephews, Erika, Kyle, Shan, Stacy, and Tracy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Bob and Edna "B", and brother, Mickey. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your charity of choice, spend a little extra time with your kids or grandkids, or just buy someone a drink. To sign the online guest book visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.