Ken & Mary Helen Buckner

Asheville George Kenneth Ken Buckner, Sr. and Mary Helen Rhymer Buckner, both 85, of 63 Rash Road, went home together to be with the Lord. They were married January 26, 1962. Mr. Buckner, who died on Sunday, October 30, 2016, was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and was formerly employed with PYAPierce, Young & Angel for 40 years and Asheville Packing Company for 10 years. He was a member of Emma UMC, a member of the VFW Post #891 and was a US Army veteran during the Korean War and was stationed at Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, AK. He was the son of the late Jennings Coy Buckner and Verla Mae Biggs Buckner. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Gladys Buckner who died January 15, 1960 and siblings, Coy Buckner, Vergie Ogle and Patsy Jones. Mrs. Buckner, who died on Monday, October 31, 2016, was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and retired from Buncombe County School System where she served in the Cafeteria at Johnston and Emma Elementary Schools. She was a member of Emma UMC where she was the church pianist for many years and was a 1949 graduate of Emma High School. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence Reuben Rhymer and Clara Exum Duckett Rhymer and was also preceded in death by her siblings, Barbara Cannon, Howard Cap Rhymer and wife Maggie. Surviving are their daughter, Dianna Buckner Condrey of Asheville; sons, George Kenneth Kenny Buckner, Jr. and wife Sandra of Leicester and Jeffrey Bo Buckner and wife Tammy of Bakersville; grandchildren, Scott (Beth) and their children Taylor & Bly, Kristi (Nick) and their children Zachary & London, Nicholas (Michelle) and their children Karinda, Kaydence & Karrington, Haley (Chad) and their children Bentley & Brynn and Samantha (Graham) and their children Perry & Ramsey; numerous nieces and nephews and Mrs. Buckners brother, James R. Rhymer (Rita) of Asheville. Joint graveside services will be held at 2:30 PM Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Green Hills Cemetery with Rev. George Davis officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the NC National Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.