Durward Justin Buckingham was born on March 21, 1947, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Donald David Buckingham and Veloy Rosina Beyler. He was the second child in his family. 

Durward grew up in Logan, Utah, where he attended Woodruff Elementary School and graduated from Logan High School on May 23, 1963. As a youth, he was active in scouting and earned the Star Scout and Life Scout awards, along with many other achievements that reflected his discipline, leadership, and determination.

As a young child, Durward spent most of his summers with his grandparents in Malta, Idaho, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors and the countryside. He found peace in nature and carried that love throughout his life, passing it down to all of his children.

On March 23, 1964, Durward enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served honorably until January 12, 1968, earning an honorable discharge and becoming a proud Navy veteran. During his service, he remained faithful to his church and served where he could. 

Durward held a firm and sincere testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and remained an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, holding many callings and serving faithfully in his community and ward. Following his military service, he was called to serve in the Alaskan-Canadian Mission, then the largest land mission of the Church, serving faithfully from March 1968 to May 1970 and set apart by Bruce R. McConkie.

After returning from his mission, Durward began working at Hill Air Force Base, where he spent many years as a jet engine mechanic, a career he took great pride in. During this time, he also served in Search and Rescue with the Cache County Sheriff’s Department, where he selflessly gave of his time, skills, and compassion to help others in their most difficult moments, forming lifelong friendships along the way. He was a talented mechanic who thoroughly enjoyed working on cars, especially in his younger years. He also had a passion for competition shooting and excelled at teaching these hobbies to his children, sharing both skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors and hands-on activities. 

On February 11, 1976, Durward married Christine Phillips in the Logan Temple. Together they had ten children. Although their marriage later ended in divorce after 24 years, his devotion to his children and family never wavered.

Durward chose early retirement at age 45, yet his greatest work was always as a father, grandfather, and faithful disciple of Christ. He began a small hobby farm, where he raised cows, horses, and chickens, and cherished all of his animals, demonstrating a tender heart for all living things. He dedicated himself to preparing for the unexpected and quietly made many sacrifices for those he loved, always thinking ahead and putting his family’s needs above his own.

He loved shopping and finding a good bargain, a trait he inherited from his father and proudly passed on to many of his children. More than anything, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, finding his greatest joy in being with them.

Durward saw the good in everyone and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He had a compassionate heart and believed that everyone he met had a heart as good as his own. He was a man of strong convictions and independent thought. With his characteristic humor and blunt honesty, he would often say that “no matter what happened in life, at least I didn’t raise any Democrats,” quickly following it with a laugh and the reminder that he “didn’t raise any dummies either.” More than politics, he was proud that his children were free thinkers, taught to stand on their own feet, think critically, and live with personal responsibility.

Durward passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 2, 2026. He is survived by his children:

- Nathan Buckingham (Evelyn)

- Almira Marie Buckingham Hatch (Ammon)

- Samuel Leo Buckingham (Shelly)

- Mary Ann Buckingham Carreido (Casey)

- Bobbie Jo Buckingham Benavidez (Frank)

- Laura Lee Buckingham

- Sarah Dawn Buckingham Romney (Matthew)

- Christina Nicole Buckingham Hatch (Aaron)

- Virginia Anne Buckingham Milligan (Patrick)

- Justin Durward Buckingham (Michayla)

He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy throughout his life.

Durward was preceded in death by his parents, Donald David Buckingham and Veloy Rosina Beyler, and his brother, David Allen Buckingham. Throughout his life, he had always hoped that when his time came, his brother Dave would be the one to greet him on the other side of the veil, and his family finds comfort and peace knowing that this reunion was everything he looked forward to and expected.

Above all, he will be remembered as an honest man who truly tried to live the gospel, saw the good in others, and walked in the light of Christ. His quiet faith, gentle spirit, tender heart for all living things, and deep love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We love you, Daddy, and you will be very, very missed. Until we meet again.

Graveside Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Tuesday February 10, 2026 at the Millville/Nibley Cemetery, located at 250 East 100 North, Millville, UT. Military honors will be conducted by the Navy Honor Guard. To share a favorite memory of Durward or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.