Pawnee — Joseph Ray Buckles, 91, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at The Bridge Care Suites in Springfield. He was born Aug. 12, 1931, in Pawnee, the son of Joseph Russell and Mary Ann Whalen Buckles. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William G. and Edward W. Buckles; and one sister, Joann Deschamps.

Joe was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Kincaid. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served four years during the Korean War, assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence. Joe retired from the Illinois Department of Mental Health Legal Services in 1991 after more than 30 years of service.

Joe is survived by a sister, Mary Julita (Judy) Buckles, of Pawnee, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe's family will meet friends at 10:30 a.m. until the time of a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at St. Rita Catholic Church at 30 St. Rita Court in Kincaid, with Rev. Piotr Kosk officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita Catholic Church, 30 St. Rita Court, Kincaid, IL 62540.

Curry Funeral Home is serving the family of Joseph Buckles.