Richard C. Buxton's Obituary
Obituary
Richard (Dick) Curfman Buxton, CMSgt (Ret), 82, of Frederick, passed away Sunday, January 11th, 2015 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV.He was born to the late Arthur and Helen Curfman Buxton on March 5, 1932 in Frederick, MD. Dick attended Frederick High School and graduated from St. Johns High School in 1950. He married Dorothy I. Cramer on October 15, 1955.He began his military career in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 as an aircraft hydraulics mechanic. In 1955, following a break in service, he entered the U.S. Air Force and became an instructor in the Department of Aircraft and Missile Specialists Training, Chanute AFB, IL. From February 1958 to August 1964, Sgt. Buxton served as a Field Training Detachment Instructor at Castle AFB CA, Chanute AFB, IL and Turner AFB, GA. After a tour at MacDill AFB, FL as assistant NCOIC of the Hydraulics Shop, Sgt. Buxton volunteered for assignment to Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of Vietnam as an Aircraft Hydraulics Technician on his beloved F-4 Phantom. From Vietnam, Sgt. Buxton was assigned as NCOIC of the Hydraulics Shop at Hahn AFB, Germany. Following a stateside tour as the Superintendentof Ground Support Section, Chanute AFB, he deployed overseas again to Keflavik NAS, Iceland as the NCOIC of Plans and Mobility. Returning stateside, Sgt. Buxton served as Chief, Aerospace Ground Equipment Branch, Shaw AFB, SC and then attended the USAF Senior NCO Academy, Gunter AFS, AL. He was selected to serve on the faculty at the USAF SNCOA and later as Senior Enlisted Advisor to Lt. Gen. F. Michael Rogers, Commander, Air University. Following his retirement in 1980 he returned to Frederick, MD, joining American Legion Post 11, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Retired Enlisted Association.Among his many notable achievements, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for saving a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft and the 8 man crew while stationed at Turner AFB, Ga in 1961. The aircraft was in critical trouble as the right forward landing gear would not extend and there was no hydraulic pressure to the wheel brakes. All emergency procedures were exhausted and the Boeing Technical Representative declared that there was no known fix. Sgt. Buxton was called in and suggested an alternate untried procedure which was successful in extending the gear and providing hydraulic pressure for the brakes. This led to an uneventful landing, ultimately saving the aircraft (which was likely carrying nuclear weapons) and crew. He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ in Frederick and will be remembered as a loving husband and father who dedicated his life to serving his country. He exemplified the Buxton family motto "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might". He is survived by his wife: Dorothy Cramer Buxton of Frederick, MD; two sons: Shaun R.(and Sandy) Buxton of Pensacola, FL; Kevin C. (and Robin) Buxton of Gerrardstown, WV. He also is survived by three grandchildren: Shane R. Buxton of Pensacola, FL, Jessica T. Buxton of Frederick, MD, and Jenna N. Buxton of Frederick, MD. CMSgt. Buxton was given a "Hero's Farewell with One Final Salute" upon his passing and the family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg for the excellent care provided.A private graveside service is planned. - CemeteryResthaven Memorial Gardens9501 Catoctin Mtn. Hwy.Frederick, MD 21701 Monday, January 19, 2015 11:00 AM - 11:00 AM ServicePrivate, Friday, March 27, 2015
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