Lyman A. Bucklin, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Lyman A. Bucklin, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret), a seasonal resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 20 years, and of Hancock, ME passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023. He was born on July 22, 1933, in Pawtucket, RI, to Francis and Hope Grafton Bucklin.

Lyman is with our Heavenly Father and reunited with his wife, Carolyn Kelleher Bucklin, his father, mother, brother, William and son in-law, Steve Lilley. Lyman, known as “Buck,” to his family and friends, was a Proud Air Force Veteran with over 20 years of exemplary service as a Fighter Pilot in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard. During his military career, he was honored with numerous awards and service ribbons including the AF Commendation, Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness, AF Good Conduct, National Defense Service, AF Longevity Service, Armed Forces Reserve and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon. After retiring from the military, he continued to fly for Bar Harbor Airlines in Maine. Lyman also enjoyed sailing and traveling. He had numerous stories to tell about his times in the cockpit and sailing. Lyman and Carolyn owned a Bed and Breakfast for nine years in Hancock, Maine. They called it their “Cottage by the Sea”. Lyman never met a stranger he didn’t like; he would immediately start telling them stories of his time in the Air Force and the many times God protected him.

He is survived by his loving children, Thomas Bucklin (Tammi), of Yorktown, VA, Nancy Lilley of Union, KY, Linda Howley (Tim) of Cape Coral, FL, Karen Bossie (Greg) of Holt, MI, and step daughter, Andrea Cyr of Manchester, NH; 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Bible Baptist Church, Hancock, Maine. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, Rhode Island.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.